Problem

HIV-positive mothers must make difficult decisions regarding the care and feeding of their children. A majority of them suffer from poor nutrition. Many are so sick that they cannot work at all, and others who work away from home are forced to mix breastfeeding with formula feeding, which increases their risk of passing HIV to their babies. Still others need to use infant formula exclusively but cannot afford it.

The Gift

Through an innovative program, IMC is providing women with the skills and supplies they need to produce crafts to sell to tourists. IMC helps secure market access so women get fair prices for their products, ensuring a steady source of sustainable income.

Even very sick mothers are able to take part in these low-impact and low-energy activities, whether at home with their infants or at local workshops with other women. The income they earn allows them to purchase nutritious food for exclusive breastfeeding or formula, which, in turn, reduces the chance their babies will acquire HIV from mixing the two feeding methods.

Your gift will provide handicraft materials for one HIV-positive mother.