HIV :: Nutrition is not a substitute of treatment of HIV, AIDS, TB

The South Africa Department of Health has noted the study into the role of nutrition with regard to the management of HIV and AIDS and TB that was released by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) yesterday.

The outcomes of the study – based only on review of available scientific literature – do not necessarily provide any new information that was unknown to the Department of Health.

The study of such challenging areas as feeding options for mothers with HIV would have added value in the scientific inquiry of the relationship between HIV and AIDS and nutrition.

The findings of the study actually reaffirm the policy position of the Department. It confirms that in addition to the two infectious diseases – TB and HIV – South Africa is also facing a challenge of macronutrient deficiencies (overt hunger) and/or micronutrient deficiencies (“hidden hunger”).

To deal with the latter, the Department of Health promotes good nutrition through consumption of balanced diet. The Department also provide nutritional and vitamin supplementation to address the challenges of micronutrient deficiencies. These are just some of the programmes aimed at promoting good health and improve nutritional status of our population.

Nutrition plays a role in promoting good health. It is not a substitute for an appropriate medical treatment. It rather serves as a solid foundation to enhance the effectiveness of medical treatment.

The Department of Health provides treatment free of charge to people with TB and HIV and AIDS.

People living with HIV in particular are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles including good nutrition. When they develop opportunistic infections, they are encouraged to seek treatment in our health facilities. If their CD4 count is 200 or below, they are encouraged to access antiretroviral therapy which the Department also makes available free of charge.


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