In Kenya, the urban population is 35% with nearly half living in informal settlements. These settings are characterized by poor living conditions which include overcrowding, insecurity, unemployment, sexual violence and lack of basic services and needs such as sanitation, clean water, food, adequate shelter, education and healthcare.
Undernutrition is rampant in these communities leading to stunted development in children, decreased immune systems, and an increased spread of infectious diseases. For HIV positive populations, challenges in health care increase their vulnerabilities. Many of those who are infected tend to suffer from opportunistic infections and are less likely to adhere to ART therapies.
TICAH has been working in informal settlements of Nairobi for over ten years where we found many people with the mentality that to eat healthy is expensive. Information on healthy, low cost diets, meal planning, budgeting, common illness identification, and natural ways to prevent and treat illnesses with food and herbs have helped families to afford to eat well and to improve their overall health.
We work with HIV affected women, men, young mothers and children where good nutrition is critical as an impaired immune system can contribute to malnutrition which can worsen the effects of HIV. Additionally, many of the medications to manage HIV require a balanced, healthy diet in order to reduce the possibility of side effects and for proper absorption of the medication. Our work on nutrition and herbs takes a holistic approach and considers all aspects of what we are putting into our bodies (including stress and medication).
Building consciousness and practical tools for the use of nutrition and herbs to improve and advocate for one’s health as well as identify, prevent and treat common illnesses
Sharing information on how to manage HIV with food in order to combat opportunistic infections, improve gut health, reduce side effects of ARVs, and living positively
Supporting primary and secondary students with the TICAH Calendar to discuss values, history, rights, art and culture
Working with HIV infected and affected children in the slums of Nairobi in an effort to Support, Heal, Interact, Nurture and Equip (S.H.I.N.E.) them to cope with the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS and to build positive self and community health.
Encouragement and connections to support self-driven community action for social justice
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With your support, TICAH will continue to provide low-income families with knowledge on nutrition, common illnesses, herbs for preventing and treating illnesses and living positively.
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