Nutrition for HIV/AIDS Sufferers in Zimbabwe Central to Graduate’s Research

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Research on nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe led to Ms Nobuhle Moyo graduating with a Master’s degree in Development Studies.

Moyo’s work examined nutrition in the era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and explored her subjects’ reliance on NGOs to subsidise their diet after the withdrawal of services by other organisations due to the economic and political situation in Zimbabwe.

The study found that there was non-adherence to treatment due to a lack of adequate food to take with the medication and there was a global shift in the consumption patterns to non-traditional diet even though people were aware of the nutritional value of the traditional menus.

‘This research will benefit society if the government considers resuscitating the social welfare department,’ said Moyo.

During her studies, she gave birth to a boy which gave her great joy and increased her determination to graduate. ‘My mother was around to help with the baby. I would find a quiet environment away from the baby and do my research. Sometimes l used to work through the night in order to meet deadlines, often sleeping for only a few hours while also feeding my child.’

Juggling studies, work and her maternal duties, Moyo graduated, with great support from her parents and her husband.

She hopes to pursue a PhD soon.

Melissa Mungroo