from Wilson D’Souza
for Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SM)

Mangalore, Sep 21: The Canara Organization for Development and Peace organized two days training programme on preparation of nutritious food for HIV/AIDS patients, for Anganwadi teachers at Kinnigoli near here on Wednesday September 19 and Thursday September 20.
           
Fr Onil D’Souza, director of CODP presided over the function.

Delivering the keynote address, Fr Onil D’Souza, called upon the participants to give “Hope and Life” to the patients who are suffering from HIV/AIDS.

He said “many people are unaware that they are infected with HIV. HIV/AIDS stigma is more severe than that associated with other life-threatening conditions and extends beyond the disease itself to providers and even volunteers involved with the care of people living with HIV.”

CODP is committed to pursuing the most effective, convenient, and cost-efficient ways to reach a greater proportion of the target patients and effect long-term improvements in care of infected patients, informed Fr Onil.
 
He further said that weight loss, wasting and malnutrition continue to be common probems in HIV, despite more effective anti-retroviral medications, and can contribute to HIV disease progression.

Good nutrition helps the body process many medications taken by people with HIV. Due to switching over to the nutritious food suppliment provided by CODP many HIV-infected individuals have experienced remarkable improvements in their general health and quality of life, which has led to the plummeting of HIV-associated morbidity and mortality.

The Canara Organisation for Development and Peace is concentrating its HIV/AIDS programme in   Kemral, Balkunje, Ikala, Kinnigoli, Mennalbettu and Kilpady Grama Panchayath at present.

Jacob proposed the vote of thanks

K Bhuvanabhi Rama Udupa, proprietor, Yugapurusha, Sharath Shetty, Jacob and Jeevan were present on the occasion.