In an interview, Bezel Muchovo of Life Empowerment Support Organisation said HIV-positive villagers in Chivhu were being encouraged to take the wild fruit to boost their immune systems.
“We realized that there is the abundance of wild fruit in the area that includes mawuyu (baobab fruit), masau, matohwe and nyii and these can help to supplement the nutritional requirements of AIDS patients. However, we also found out that the wild fruit can also be sold in order to provide patients with an income,” said Muchovo, an Advocacy Officer with the organisation.
He also said the baobab fruit could be crushed to make powder that has a good nutritional value. Apart from the collection of wild fruit, the organisation is also supporting the growing of traditional crops like mhunga (sorghum), nyemba (cow peas) and nyimo (round nuts).
LESO was formed in 2008 by two nurses, Olivine Mtabeni and Rosa Mufunde. It is located in Damofalls, Chitungwiza, Dzivarasekwa and Chivhu, among other areas and is involved in providing home-based care to the chronically ill. It also supports other vulnerable groups like the elderly, cancer patients and TB patients.
Post published in: News