AFRICA: UN highlights nutrition woes of HIV-positive people

JOHANNESBURG, 11 Apr 2005 (PLUSNEWS) - World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Lee Jong-wook on Monday appealed for greater attention to the nutrition of people living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

Addressing health experts from 20 African countries at a WHO meeting in South Africa's port city of Durban, Jong-wook said that despite being one of the critical aspects of care and support for HIV-positive people, nutrition had been largely ignored.

"We know that sound nutrition helps maintain the immune system, increases body weight and boosts energy levels but, in Africa, [infected people] are frequently admitted to hospital already malnourished," Lee said in statement.

The UN health agency chief warned that massive international investment in care, support and anti-AIDS treatment could be jeopardised if people receiving treatment were not sufficiently nourished.

Delegates attending the three-day meeting are to produce recommendations for immediate action to improve the nutrition and health of HIV-positive people in southern and eastern Africa.

[ENDS]