Milk Formula program

The Milk Formula program - Every 15th of the month several women/caregivers come to ZMF-C at the farm to collect 6 tins of baby formula. Why? Various reasons - HIV mom gave birth to baby and died - but a relative can prepare the formula safely and feed the baby, baby's mom is so weak she cannot feed the baby so the formula is vital for this baby. Currently, there are about 12 babies that monthly depend on this program. Each caregiver is expected to bring baby and baby's under 5 card - with immunization record up to date. Some moms/caregivers travel many km to receive this precious gift.

ZMF-C can accomodate up to about 20 babies on the program and for some reason the numbers are lower at this time - but it is the rainy season - so that may be the reason. Transport can be difficult on the mom and the baby - as roads are not maintained and are VERY rough.

The new WHO mother to child HIV transmission guide is out and so I am reviewing that in order to better guide the mom's and families on best options for the baby - i.e. continued breastfeeding even for HIV mom's and babies. Need more info? ...try the WHO website.

Please remember these families in your prayers and if you are able to gift to this program then both you and another family will be blessed!

PS> donations for this program are sometimes used to attend to health needs for our "milk babies".

For example, on Monday, I'll transport Katy and her mom to Lusaka for surgery. Katy was in the orphan care program and was treated for meningitis last August. She was discharged to her family a few months back as they were able to safely manage the preparation of the milk formula for her. The residual effect of the meningitis is that she is now suffering from hydrocephalis. She'll be assessed and operated on hopefully by the end of the next week. She's now 8 months old and lives way out in the village of "Square" about a 3 hour walk from here or about an hour and a half truck transport from here. (google - Beit Cure hospitals - we have one in Lusaka, Zambia!)

Please especially remember Katy in your prayers this week - Psalm 19:18 - But the needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.