[pronut-hiv] Kenya: Sweet Potato Project Launched

["ProNut-HIV" <pronut-hiv@healthnet.org>]

The Nation ( http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/ ) (Nairobi)
6 December 2007
Nairobi
The government and the Homa Bay Catholic Diocese have jointly launched
a sweet potato composite flour project expected to boost the immunity of
people living with HIV.
The coordinator of the project, Mr George Orero, said that apart from
the Aids patients, the mixture is also recommended for young children,
pregnant women and the elderly.
The project, dubbed 'Agriculture and Extension Programme', seeks to
address deaths due to malnutrition among the groups.
Vitamin A
Addressing the media during the launch at a Homa Bay hotel, Mr Orero
revealed that by January 2008, the product would be sent to the Kenya
Bureau of Standards for testing and subsequent release into the market.
Being instrumental in the promotion of the Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato
that is rich in Vitamin A, Mr Orero said they saw the need to come up
with a mixture, with other cereals and foods, that would help boost its
nutritional value.
He said the flour can be used to make mandazi, chapati, porridge and
cakes.