MARONDERA - People living with HIV/AIDS here have initiated self-help projects to cushion themselves from the fatal effects of malnutrition. (Pictured: The chairman on Takakosha Support Group, Philip Fero)
Takakosha Support Group chairman, Philip Fero, 30, narrates how it all started. It all started in 2008 with a seemingly sick and ambitious idea suggested by association patron, Dominic Matangira, to bring together people affected with HIV/AIDS and form a club. The idea looked bound to fail as people infected with the virus tended to shun public life. Takakosha Support Group, brought together 60 adults and 30 children living with HIV/AIDS. It is supported by 10 committee members not affected with HIV/AIDS. We realized the killer disease claims most lives among terminally ill and poorly fed people. The association raised capital for projects from members monthly US$1 subscriptions.
From the little US$90 raised, we bought soft drinks and biscuits for resale at the town bus terminus. With each day, our capital base widened. We diversified into poultry projects as chicken meat has a ready market among consumers. We started with 100 chickens which have already sold out. Our clients include households and restaurants around town. We buy 100 young chickens for US$100, and US$120 stock feed is enough for the six weeks when the chickens reach sell-off stage. We later sell the chickens for US$6 each. So, in six weeks we realize a US$380 profit from 100 chickens.
Due to non availability of land for projects, we have allocated each member 50 chickens to rear at various homesteads. Bed ridden members are exempted from the allocations. They benefit from proceeds, as we buy them tablets and food regularly. In fact every member receives monthly food rations bought from realized profits. Proceeds from project are saved in the association bank account. Withdrawals are carried out when a member needs assistance in cash or kind.
The project has come in handy following cessation of food hand outs by the Red Cross, due to donor fatigue. Red Cross stopped giving HIV/AIDS patients food assistance in November last year. Takakosha Support Group has chipped in with regular food rations for members. The group supplies drugs which are not available at the General Hospital, to members in need. Since the project became profitable, the welfare of members has improved significantly. They can afford three nutritional meals a day. Their health conditions have improved tremendously. The success story of Takakosha has attracted overwhelming new membership from across town.
A number of our members are in farm produce vending. They are equipped with basic business skills and are doing well. Soon we will embark on a flea market venture. The market will sell clothing and electrical gadgets. In the long run we intend to venture into commercial farming, if we secure farm land from the local municipality. Surplus maize grain will be used as stock feed. This will cut our running costs and enable the association to diversify into bigger projects. Despite catering for welfare of members, lack of regular supplies of essential drugs from the General Hospital remains a challenge to health of members. Drugs are constantly out of supply. The challenge is compounded by high fees charged for CD4 count testing. CD4 count testing determines the degree to which body immune system has been compromised. Results enable medical staff administer appropriate drugs to suppress HIV/AIDS. Government hospitals charge US$12 for the tests, a fee ordinary people can not afford. Consequently, a number of HIV positive people have died at their homes, after failing to raise the CD4 count tests fee.
We invite residents and any similar groups across the country and region, to attend our monthly meetings. Interactions will enable communities to share knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The international community can draw lessons from Takakosha Support Group, which has given HIV/AIDS victims hope and improved welfare. Life is guaranteed for group members. –
Post published in: News