UNAIDS policy on HIV, food security and nutrition

In many parts of the world, lack of food security and poor nutrition are worsening the effects of the HIV epidemic. Food insecurity and poor nutrition can hasten the progression of AIDS related illnesses, while the virus itself reduces the capacity of people living with HIV to work to provide food for themselves and their families.

For this reason UNAIDS, in collaboration the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has developed a policy brief on HIV, food security and nutrition. This policy provides guidance for governments, civil society and other partners on how to address food and nutrition concerns in the context of HIV, keeping in mind the commitment made by all UN member states through the Millennium Development Goals both to reduce chronic hunger and halt and reverse the spread of HIV by 2015.

Food Security, Nutrition and HIV vulnerability: Lack of food security constrains people’s choices in employment and education and can lead women, for example, to engage in behaviours which can increase HIV risk such as exchanging sex for food or money.

Treatment: Proper nutrition is critical to realizing the full benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART itself increases appetite and it is possible to reduce side effects and thus help people with HIV to stay on treatment if medicines are taken with food.

Impact Mitigation: HIV can reduce capacity to work and earn income for food. It can have particularly devastating consequences where agriculture is the main source of income, leading to decreased food production and hence food insecurity. (May 2008)

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UNAIDS policy on HIV, food security and nutrition.pdf