22 August 2007
The Department of Health has noted the study into the role of nutrition with
regard to the management of HIV and AIDS and TB that was released by the
Academy of Science of South Africa (Assaf) yesterday.
The outcomes of the study based only on review of available scientific
literature, do not necessarily provide any new information that was unknown to
the Department of Health. The study of such areas challenging areas as feeding
options for mothers with HIV would have added value in the scientific inquiry
of the relationship between HIV and AIDS and nutrition.
The findings of the study actually reaffirm the policy position of the
department. It confirms that in addition to the two infectious diseases (TB and
HIV) South Africa is also facing a challenge of macronutrient deficiencies
(overt hunger) and/or micronutrient deficiencies ('hidden hunger').
To deal with the latter, the Department of Health promotes good nutrition
through consumption of balanced diet. The department also provide nutritional
and vitamin supplementation to address the challenges of micronutrient
deficiencies. These are just some of the programmes aimed at promoting good
health and improve nutritional status of our population.
Nutrition plays a role in promoting good health. It is not a substitute for
an appropriate medical treatment. It rather serves as a solid foundation to
enhance the effectiveness of medical treatment.
The Department of Health provides treatment free of charge to people with TB
and HIV and AIDS.
People living with HIV in particular are encouraged to adopt healthy
lifestyles including good nutrition. When they develop opportunistic
infections, they are encouraged to seek treatment in our health facilities. If
their Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) count is 200 or below, they are
encouraged to access antiretroviral therapy which the department also makes
available free of charge.
Contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Ministry of Health
22 August 2007
