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'Use what works in HIV fight'
Liz Clarke
2005-04-12

Recovering lost time and acknowledging the role of nutrition in the care of HIV-infected adults and children must become a top priority in Southern Africa.

We need to put into practice what we already know works, said Prof Nigel Rollins, Chairman of the World Health Organization's advisory group on nutrition and HIV/AIDS Speaking at the first international WHO-hosted conference on nutrition in Durban this week, Rollins, who is the head of maternal and child health at the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, emphasized the need to identify and commit to achievable action targets and timelines.

Speaking to the international audience of scientists, health care professionals and people living with HIV/AIDS at Durban's International Conference Centre, he said that it was now time to hasten the research agenda, both clinical and operational. Achieving the very best for men, women and children with HIV infection, he said, is an issue of human rights which will not happen on its own, but needs to be pursued and fought for. It was important, however, to understand the bigger picture.
The region has a high level of malnutrition so it is paramount that the question of adequate nutrition is included in all care programmes, whether anti-retroviral therapy is part of them or not. The aim of the conference, also attended by representatives from 20 government health departments, is to present comprehensive scientific evidence on nutritional issues in order to initiate practical and sustainable solutions for the future. Subjects for discussion include the nutritional status of adults, children, pregnant and lactating women with HIV infection and the need to ensure access to adequate and appropriate food. We see this as part of routine care, said Rollins.

Research papers will identify energy and protein needs, which have been found to increase by about 10% in adults and children from the time of infection. We also know, said Rollins, that during and after severe illnesses, these needs might increase by a further 20% to 30% and, in children, more than 50%.

At present, he said, there was no evidence for increased protein requirements beyond a balanced diet.

(Source: Mercury, April 12, 2005)


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