EASTERN PROVINCE

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) last Friday donated goats to over 360 people living with HIV/AIDS in the districts of Kayonza, Gatsibo and Nyagatare.

The beneficiaries are members of cooperative societies of people living with AIDS. While handing over the goats, Kizito Mfashubumenyi, the ADRA agronomist for both Gatsibo and Nyagatare said they would continue aiding people living with HIV especially those who have joined such associations.

"We are encouraging these people to go for HIV testing which will help them live better after establishing  their status,” Mfashuybumenyi said.

"Over 1,100 people will have benefited from this programme by the end of 2009. We hope that many more people will have joined the associations after seeing how others are being assisted,” he added.

Working with these cooperatives, ADRA under the project "Strengthening and HIV Prevention” intends to improve Maternal Child Health and Nutrition of people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.

One of the 25 beneficiaries from Kabarore Sector in Gatsibo, Teddy Murerwayire, said the project would help them improve their way of living.

"Goats produce three times a year and because of ADRA, we hope for a boost in our economic status which will bring about development,” Murerwayire said, after receiving her goat.

According to ADRA, each of 363 people who received goats are expected to pass on a kid goat to another person in the association after it produces. 

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