© 2008 Michael Rubinstein/IFPRI
Dancers at TASO clinic, Mbarara, UgandaAfter becoming infected with HIV, Monica had almost lost hope of living. Her weight dropped from 60 to 49 kilograms (132 to 108 pounds). She had no energy to grow food and faced constant worries about feeding her family.

Monica became a client of The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) in Mbarara, Uganda. Recognizing that people with AIDS are often not able to have the right foods in the right quantities, TASO began distributing food aid. Proper nutrition improves the ability of people with AIDS to fight infection.

When she began receiving the distributions, Monica’s outlook on life changed. The program has reduced her stress and concerns about providing food for her family. She can also save money to pay school fees for her children and buy other necessities at home.

Her weight has gone up to 61 kilograms (134 pounds), and she joyously proclaims, “Now you can see me, I’m very healthy, thank you for that.”

• Factsheets, podcasts and briefs from IFPRI
• RENEWAL - Regional Network on AIDS, Livelihoods and Food Security
• XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, August 3-8, 2008