INDIA: Salesians recognized for nutrition programs serving children impacted by HIV/AIDS
Organization works to promote healthy living, reduce stigma for families
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) Navajeevan Bala Bhavan, a Salesian community within the Province of St. Joseph, Hyderabad, based in Vijayawada, India, received a certificate of recognition acknowledging the Salesian organization’s exemplary nutrition support programs for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. The certificate was given by the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.
The Navajeevan Bala Bhavan’s Neethodu Integrated Counseling Center has been working across Vijayawada to serve individuals and families grappling with HIV since 2021. To date, the organization has reached 390 individuals, 234 adults and 156 children, across 106 families, offering essential support to improve their quality of life.
A Salesian explained, “Navajeevan Bala Bhavan adopts a holistic approach to support HIV-affected communities, focusing on nutrition, education and moral upliftment. It provides low-cost, nutritious meals to promote healthy living, organizes monthly gatherings to reduce stigma, and ensures regular home visits by volunteers to assist patients with ART medication follow-ups. To empower families economically, the organization offers income-generation programs such as tailoring, kirana shops, flower vending, and garment sales. Additionally, cultural events, competitions, outings, and financial aid for education help children overcome societal stigma and work toward a brighter future.”
For as much success the program has had, there are challenges. The Salesian noted, “We lack continuous donor support and have inadequate nutrition resources and limited societal employment opportunities for affected individuals. However, through strong collaborations with government bodies, health care institutions, and other organizations, Navajeevan Bala Bhavan continues to make a meaningful impact, reducing HIV-related health issues and empowering communities.”
Navajeevan Bala Bhavan plans to expand its volunteer base, build leadership among individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and create greater societal awareness about HIV. The organization also aims to sustain its nutrition programs through increased collaboration with like-minded organizations and support from benefactors.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – India – Salesian Community in INH Honoured for Exceptional Support to HIV-Infected Individuals
Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India
