The MC Foundation is pleased to report on a successful aid mission at Mua Mission Hospital in Malawi. In collaboration with two teams of doctors, we have set up an HIV self-help group under the initiative of Geoffrey Mbale, a dedicated employee of Mua Mission Hospital.
The group’s weekly meetings at the local primary school offer members not only support, but also a space to talk about the challenges of HIV treatment. Participants are often unable to take their medication due to malnutrition, which increases the side effects. This is compounded by shame and stigmatisation, which severely impair the quality of life of those affected.
Through the mutual help and dialogue in the self-help group, the members gain strength and confidence. We were also able to provide a sum of 500 dollars, which will be used to buy food and seeds. 42 families receive direct help. The members now work together in the fields and are involved in neighbouring villages to raise awareness about HIV prevention and treatment.
We are happy to support this powerful community in Mua. This initiative shows how important solidarity and mutual help are in the fight against HIV.
In the renovation of the ‘Hope Clinic’ (HIV/TBC), which was made possible by the Deichmann Foundation, HIV medication can now also be collected by family members.
Information and immunisation on HPV and screening for cervical cancer also take place here. In Malawi, most women worldwide die from this type of cancer.