From HIV and TB to Wellbeing
Story of Nkole Chanda, Zambia
My Moringa story began in 2007 when my parents began growing Moringa trees at our farm.
My names are Nkole Chanda and in June, 2001, I was tested positive for HIV. Back then, there were no Anti-viral drugs as there is now. We tried different herbal medicine such as the African potato, but nothing prevented me from developing TB of the spine which left me paralyzed partially.
To find answers, my parents did a lot of Google research on Moringa which led to our growing Moringa.
I started taking it as a food supplement as I had problems eating food, because by then I had started medication and I was on TB treatment. From then, my quality of life improved tremendously. I was now able to do things on my own.
To cut the long story short, I have helped many people see the importance of Moringa in their foods. And I’ve shown them how moringa can help prevent diseases, and slow down the progression of HIV into full blown AIDS. I always emphasize it is not a cure but a food supplement.
Because of my active participation in farming I was honoured by the Minister of Agriculture as the determined farmer. I also enrolled in boot camp and my project was on Moringa. I was the only one who graduated in my class. This was because I got a lot of help from members of the members of the Africa Moringa Hub WhatsApp group. Today as I speak an admin of the group.
Once a simple farmer – now Moringa has opened doors for me.
There are so many things one can do with Moringa in the health, agricultural, industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. Also at household level.
As Africa Moringa Hub we are encouraging fellow African countries to Eat and Plant Moringa. I was just a simple farmer, but Moringa has opened doors for me. It can open the doors for others as well. Together we can better Africa and the livelihood of the people.
As a counselor, I get to interact with different people. I have discovered that people living with the virus live longer with good nutrition and lots of water. That’s the secret to avoiding opportunistic infections. When I tested positive, I was told that and it works. I combine Moringa with a healthy diet.
I am also mentoring physically changed people. Their greatest disability is the mind when one fails to accept their situation.