Malawi’s government workers living with HIV will be receiving an additional $35 U.S, per month to help them buy more food and stay healthier, Reuters Africa reports (africa.reuters.com, 1/7).

Reuters notes that the government sent around a circular urging positive civil servants—who currently earn a salary of about $200 per month—to come forward. Health officials in the country hope that the additional money will help these workers live longer and remain a vigilant part of the workforce.

“We thought an extra 5,000 Malawi kwacha on top of their monthly salaries would go a long way in improving their nutritional requirements, which are essential to their well-being,” Health Minister Marjorie Ngaunje told Reuters on Monday.