In Lesotho, more than 70 people a day die of AIDS related health problems; malnutrition of young children is extremely high, and many of the new-born babies of women with AIDS are being immediately treated after birth with retroviral drugs.

The Health Ministry has come to the discusssion table with the concept that appropriate nutrition is also requried with the use of the drugs to assist the overwhelming number of people with AIDS.

Our project seeks to develop a community income-generating activity which involves small co-ops gathering and growing indigenous plants, and growing other organic vegetables for sale and for the leaves to be extracted to make a 'leaf extract' protein vitamin rich supplement. THis supplement has been shown to be effective in dealing with malnutrition, building immunie systems (for HIV /AIDS affected people) and anemia in women.

The NGO Centre for Prosperity and Autonomy is struggling to build its capacity to develop its own income generating capacity to assist members (particulalry those living with AIDS) to attend meetings, communicate with organizations by telephone and internet and produce its training manuals already requested to initiate the project activities.

A calculated amount $3500. is urgently needed to allow training, purchase of the extraction machinery and transport to the communities where the children will receive the supplement.

It would be so much appreciated if you could work with us to quickly act, so that the opportunity to be of assistance and to maintain the trust of the communities will not be lost.

sincerely,
Sandy Gershuny for Centre for Prosperity and Autonomy