[afro-nets] RFI: Nutrition Program for PLWHA (3)

[Dorcas Lwanga <dlwanga@smtp.aed.org>]

RFI: Nutrition Program for PLWHA (3)
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Dear Albert,

Nutrition care and support of PLWHA is indeed an important and
crucial component of the comprehensive care of PLWHA. I am glad
to see that your project is taking this component of care as be-
ing important.

I would like to stress however, that there is no special diet or
foodstuffs that are different for people living with HIV/AIDS.

With regards to nutrition requirements for PLWHA this is what is
recommended by the World Health Organization:

HIV infected adults and children have increased energy needs
compared with non-HIV infected adults and children. The energy
needs increase by 10% in asymptomatic HIV infected adults and
children and by 20-30% in adults suffering from more advanced
disease and 50-100% in HIV infected children experiencing weight
loss. There is no evidence for increased protein intake of PLWHA
over and above that required in a balanced diet to satisfy en-
ergy needs (12-15%) of total energy intake. Loss of appetite and
poor dietary intake are important causes of weight loss associ-
ated with HIV infection. With regards to micronutrients, in-
takes, daily recommended levels are recommended through consump-
tion of a diversified diet, fortified foods and micronutrient
supplementation as needed. Micronutrient supplementation should
not exceed 1 RDA (recommended daily allowance).

The Uganda Ministry of Health with help from the Regional Center
for Quality of Health Care (RCQHC) developed a guide for feeding
people living with HIV/AIDS. This guide which is available in
Uganda from the MOH or from RCQHC translates the above recommen-
dations into more practical information that can be used to help
your clients attain good nutrition care and support. The Uganda
MOH also has guidelines for nutritional care and support for
people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda that you may want to con-
sult.

As well the RCQHC, has developed counselling materials on nutri-
tion for people living with HIV/AIDS and Job AIDS for nutrition
counselling PLWHA on ARVs. You can get copies of these materials
from
RCQHC offices
Makerere University Medical School
P.O.Box 29140 Kampala - Uganda


Cheers,

Dorcas Lwanga MSc, RD
Nutritionist
SARA Project
Academy for Educational Development
1825 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20009-5721, USA
Tel: +1-202-884-8815
Fax: +1-202-884-8447
mailto:dlwanga@smtp.aed.org