Comments on: Mozambique: The Work

By: Ali

Ali — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:39:19 +0000

Hi, Good to see your blog – just a couple of clarifying points though. You mention about malnutrition in babies if they are not breastfed. This is a HUGE problem worldwide and research has shown that if women breastfed optimally it would save more children than any other public health measure e.g. clean water, vaccinations, etc. However, telling women to breastfeed doesn’t help – they need ACTIVE support to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is so beneficial and artificial feeding so dangerous in places such as this that the latest WHO guidance is that HIV positive women should exclusively breastfeed – as the risks of them giving HIV to their infant through exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months is about 4% compared to the much higher risks of the child dying through not being breastfed. The risks of getting HIV increase if the mother mixes breastfeeding with something else – especially solid food such as Plumpynut, so care must be taken – also Plumpynut is NOT designed for infants under 6 months of age as the nutrient content is not correct. Finally in all my time as a nutritionist specialising in infants I have never come across a baby unable to breastfeed because of lactose intolerance – this is much more likely with formula, which is made of cow’s milk and hence is made for calves not babies! I really like your blog it’s just I know the importance of actively supporting women to breastfeed and how people think that ‘alternatives’ are good and necessary when if an infant is breastfed optimally they won’t get malnourished and will be protected from diseases in the environment that they are in.

By: amisha

amisha — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:27:33 +0000

these women- and you, my friend- are doing the most needed work on earth. bless you all for it. you are an inspiration. xox

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:41:27 +0000

Very very sad to see the children and women that are sufforing.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:42:43 +0000

My heart is breaking but I hang on to the hope that comes from the good work you and others are doing in Africa. Blessings!!

By: Sue at eLuckypacket

Sue at eLuckypacket — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:21:47 +0000

What they all said Nothing to add. Except my own thank you for doing this work.

By: tasterspoon

tasterspoon — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:46:26 +0000

Sigh. Keep passing along your observations, it sounds like you are uniquely positioned to look at both the big picture and the individual stories. It is good to hear that you have hope.

By: Carl Dimitri

Carl Dimitri — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:15:10 +0000

Thanks for your site and the photos.

I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of work/volunteer opportunities there are in Africa.

I know you’re busy. So whenever you get a chance.

Thanks,
Carl

By: Gill

Gill — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:51:15 +0000

It must be so hard to not want to pick up those children and pack them in your suitcase and take them home with you?

I guess you get hardened to the situation over time? You must have to otherwise you couldn’t cope? Just like policemen, firemen, and doctor’s and nurses do.

Once again great photo’s.

Gill

By: Dee

Dee — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:55:47 +0000

Wow! I don’t know what to say. Thank goodness for people like you and those kind women in those beautiful-colored skirts! Those children are precious.

By: Duda

Duda — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:26:14 +0000

Can you describe the current efforts taking place to change the HIV stigma and encourage treatment? What languages are being used in that effort?