Dear Friends of Helping Hands,

The death rate for babies in poor villages is unnecessarily high. Mothers tend to be undernourished whilst pregnant. They also struggle to feed their babies once they are born. Access to health care is cumbersome and babies who should thrive are not. The debate of whether HIV+ mothers should continue to breastfeed their baby rages on. It is possible to transmit the virus to a healthy baby via breast milk but some Health Authorities say that this risk is minimal compared to the risk of babies getting sick with diseases they would normally be protected from via their mother’s milk.

We at Helping Hands have observed that some mothers from poor villages who choose to receive milk formulas from the Department of Health use diluted amounts of formula in order to make it last longer. Most of these mothers are illiterate and do not understand that this is a very dangerous practice even when we stress to them the importance of using the full amount of powdered milk.

Being a young mother in a poor village is difficult. This year Helping Hands focused our Christmas party around mothers and babies in the villages. For one day we wanted to ensure that these moms experience the joy that babies should bring to a family. Each mom received a gift parcel for their baby and something special for themselves. Tea and cakes were enjoyed and much laughter resounded from the Helping Hands Community Centre.

As we close this year, I would like to thank you for your support during 2005. You are a valuable part of what we do. May the new year bring growth in every area of your life.

With warm regards,
Michelle Tessendorf