Lifelong takes fight against HIV/AIDS to South Africa

Lifelong is proud to be a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS here in Seattle and equally proud to participate in international HIV/AIDS-relief efforts through our membership in ANSA (Association of Nutrition Services Agencies). Through ANSA, we support the innovative efforts of South African nonprofit Ikamva Labantu, which serves children and adults impacted by HIV/AIDS.

In mid-October, Lifelong’s Executive Director David Richart, Board President Eric Snow and Washington State Senator Ed Murray were able to witness Ikamva Labantu’s pioneering work first-hand. Richart, Snow and Sen. Murray met with Ikamva Labantu staff to learn about new programs, including a pilot launching next year aimed at preventing mother-to-baby infection through breast milk.

“The prevention of mother-to-child infection through breast milk is critical to stemming new cases of HIV in developing countries,” said Richart. Richart, Snow and Sen. Murray also spent a significant amount of time in the field visiting South African townships that have been ravaged by HIV/AIDS. More than 5 million South Africans are living with HIV and AIDS and an estimated 250,000 people in the country died from AIDS last year. Hundreds of thousands of children have been left orphans by HIV/AIDS.

“We’re proud to support Ikamva Labantu’s prevention efforts and their work supporting HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa,” said Richart.