The HIV/AIDS Commission in Western Equatoria State, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Tuesday, distributed seeds to 110 people living with HIV/AIDS in Yambio.
This is the second time the commission is distributing maize, sorghum, beans, and okra seeds in the area.
Speaking to journalists during the distribution, the deputy chairperson of the HIV/AIDS Commission in the state, Kenyi Alex, said the exercise is a result of their engagement with other partners in the state.
“We as the state HIV/Aids Commission visited FAO and raised the issue regarding the distribution of food to the people who are living with HIV in the state,” he said. “So, the approval was done and today (Tuesday), the population of Western Equatoria State, particularly Yambio County, are receiving their tools and seeds. We are grateful to the leadership of the Yambio FAO field office.”
Kenyi called on the beneficiaries not to misuse the seeds.
“I will go to FAO to see when the people in other counties will receive their tools and seeds,” he added.
The beneficiaries appreciated the government and the partners for the support.
Dungupai Eunice, a beneficiary, said that the seed she received are helpful but that she needed food to give her the strength to cultivate her garden. She also asked that they be given skills in generating income.
“There are many skills which can be given to us in income generating activities so that we can sustain our lives independently,” she said.