[afro-nets] Prolonging Survival Among Children Without Access to ART (5)

[Bradford McIntyre <bradford@positivelypositive.ca>]

Prolonging Survival Among Children Without Access to ART (5)
------------------------------------------------------------

Nutrition a high priority in AIDS treatment!

People infected with HIV or have AIDS need a quality of life
that does not undermine their health. There are people dying due
to the stress on an already stressed and suppressed immune sys-
tem. There is added stress due to a lack of funds available to
support nutritional diet and good health. Proper nutrition is
necessary for HIV infected individuals, as those who eat well
feel better compared to those who consume a less than adequate
diet. Malnutrition can compromise their ability to fight off in-
fection. We should be making good nutrition a high priority in
AIDS treatment! There are people living with HIV who are in con-
stant need of medical attention due to the poor quality of food
and water. Water must be clear of micro-organisms and tap water
is not fit to drink by people with a suppressed immune system,
as they are susceptible to Cryptosporidiosis and Microsporidio-
sis. There is a need and an added expense of purchasing bottled
water for drinking and cooking. The lack of bottled water con-
tributes to their disease. There is a need for affordable hous-
ing, providing a comfortable and stress free environment in
which to live.

My concern and disappointment is directed at the lack of consid-
eration given to the present situation of poverty, poor nutri-
tion, inadequate sanitation and housing for people living with
HIV. These issues are of the utmost importance to individuals
who are infected with HIV.

A call for action is necessary. The present situation dictates
that these are vital necessities for people living with HIV/AIDS
throughout the world! A simple exercise in these directions and
implementation would have an enormous impact on the fight
against AIDS!

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ 20 years
Vancouver, Canada
mailto:bradford@positivelypositive.ca
http://www.positivelypositive.ca