Nutrition and Agriculture-Hunger and HIV/AIDS is a vicious cycle.  Malnutrition further damages the immunity while HIV infection decreases appetite, increases metabolic needs, and decreases absorption of food.  Partners in Hope has now begun a program for THERAPEUTIC FEEDING using 'ready to use foods' which have the maximal concentration of nutrition as are 'prescribed' to boost nutrition  for Moyo Clinic patients with malnutrition. 

Most Malawians grow the food that they eat.  Albert Jansen, Dr. Jansen's father, came to Malawi in February 2007 to start a project now known as Nyumba ya Chitsanzo ("demonstration house").  The inspiration of creating a home to demonstrate 'low input' agricultural techniques,  rainwater harvesting, and fuel-efficient cook stoves came from a visit to the home of Kristof and Stacia Nordin.  The Nordins have lived in Malawi for 10 years and have amassed a great deal of knowledge about sustainable agriculture and the use of indigenous plants which are nutritious as well as more 'drought tolerate' than maize.

Patients of the Moyo Clinic are trained not only in improving their diet but also in techniques to grow a healthier diet.  'Starter packs' of seeks and small plants are given to 'graduates' to start their own gardens at home.  Based upon the technique of 'permaculture', these gardens help replenish soil damaged by the use of chemical fertilizers.  The project is a permanent outreach of the Medical Center and testifies to our commitment to a holistic approach to patient care.