Healthy and balanced nutrition should be ona

HEALTHY AND BALANCED NUTRITION IS IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

Nutritional care and support promote well-being, self-esteem and a positive attitude to life for people and their families living with HIV/AIDS.

Healthy and balanced nutrition should be one of the goals of counselling and care for people at all stages of HIV infection. An effective programme of nutritional care and support will improve the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS, by:

• maintaining body weight and strength;
• replacing lost vitamins and minerals;
• improving the function of the immune system and the body's ability to fight infection;
• extending the period from infection to the development of the AIDS disease;
• improving response to treatment; reducing time and money spent on health care;
• keeping HIV-infected people active, allowing them to take care of themselves, their family and children; and
• keeping HIV-infected people productive, able to work, grow food and contribute to the income of their families.