By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, June 4, Mana: Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (COWLA) has distributed goats and pigs to 175 caregivers for children living with HIV in Nkhata Bay through the ‘Bringing Kids Living with HIV to Care’ project.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday during the distribution of livestock to Mtisunge caregivers group, Advocacy Lead, Isaac Mafuel Banda said the project will enhance caregivers' capacity to care for the children beyond the project period.

The project targets children aged 0-14 who are HIV positive and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers seeking testing.

"As the project nears its end, sustainability has been a concern. That's why we introduced income-generating activities to help caregivers continue caring for the children after the project," he said.

According to Banda, the livestock will provide food, nutrition, and potential income for transport to healthcare services.

Programs Manager for Mtisunge AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Kameta stated that the livestock distribution was based on individual group needs.

“Two groups have received six goats each, while five groups received five piglets each, benefiting 175 caregivers,” said Kameta.

In her remarks, one of the beneficiaries from Mtisunge caregiver group, Anne Ngwira commended COWLA for the support and appealed for unity and hard work among caregivers to ensure the initiative's success.

“With the pigs we have received, we are confident that we will soon start earning income, as there is a readily available market for piglets,” she added.

One of the Community Development Officers from Nkhata Bay District Council, Atusaye Jere urged beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to improve their access to healthcare services.

The project is implemented by COWLA in partnership with MACODESO, Y+ Malawi, Reach Trust with funding from AIDSFONDS and will run until December, this year.