Over the past several months VICDA has continued to work with different communities to introduce Spirulina, a protein and nutrient rich “power food” which is derived from an algae like plant. With its location on the equator and the strong sun, Kenya is an ideal place to grow spirulina. Unlike other crops, it doesn’t require that much land and though it’s grown in water troughs it require significantly less than water than most other crops.
In addition to providing nutrition to hungry children, spirulina has also show to improve the lives of those living with HIV. Kifia Health Group is a part of Kieni Fighters of HIV/AIDS and TB in Nyeri, Kenya. VICDA has partnered with this group of 52 adults and 6 children and has helped to introduce spirulina to the group and has seen a positive improvement in the quality of life for several of the members. As noted by Kifia Health Group:
POLINE NJERI: Njeri was suffering from severe skin rashes which had lasted for 2 years, after using the Spirulina in 2 months the rashes disappeared. She is now very happy for she used to feel disgusted and ashamed. She also has a very good appetite and gained weight. She says that she feels very healthy and strong to start her day.
CHARITY MURINGO: Charity is HIV positive and Diabetics, from she started the spirulina product she has managed her sugar level and gained weight, she used to feel dizziness and sick but now she is strong and healthy. Her CD4 has increased in 2 months from 506 to 536.
CRISTOPHER KARIUKI: Kariuki is now strong and feels active. His skin is also smooth and looking good with good appetite. He used to feel general weakness in his body. His skin was pale and dry and poor appetite. But from when he started the Spirulina product he has changed his way of living due to the strong feeling in him.
VICDA 