EXPLAINING HOW THE HIV DISEASE IS NOW A CHRONIC ILLNESS AND NOT ALWAYS A KILLER
DISEASE LIKE IT USED TO BE
Now that we have medicines, it means that if people living with HIV are really careful with their health and make sure they do everything
right, then HIV can be like a chronic illness (a long-term illness), and like having high blood pressure or asthma.
HIV IS VERY PREVALENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
There are a lot of people now who have this infection - about one quarter of adult men and women have it - so you are not alone.
LIVING HEALTHY: NUTRITION, HIV, AIDS AND PREGNANCY
BACKGROUND FOR THE FACILITATOR
It is important for a person living with HIV to stay healthy, and it is even more important if that person is pregnant. Food is important
to everyone. Food is the fuel that keeps our body working. If the body does not get enough food, it cannot function properly.
A pregnant woman has extra needs due to the changes in her body, and the needs of the growing baby. This is the same for all
pregnant women - whether they are HIV-infected or not.
It is important first to understand what function food has in our bodies.
Our body uses food for the following purposes:
-
To Grow: as a child grows, and for the replacement and repair of the body. For an adult it is like a wall; if a brick is damaged,
it is taken out and a new one put in. The wall may stay the same shape but it is repaired or renewed in parts.
-
To Have Energy: to provide energy or fuel to move about and be active; to keep the body working: for the heart to pump
blood, for the lungs to breathe; and to produce body fluids such as blood, breast milk, saliva and digestive fluids. Like a car:
if there is no fuel going in, the car does not go.
-
To Keep well: to protect the body from disease and help fight infections. There is no one type of food or group of foods that
is best. Eating wisely means aiming for a variety of foods over the week.
Effect of nutrition on HIV/Aids
Remains active and
productive
Improved quality
of life
Well-nourished
person living with
HIV/Aids
Maintains appetite
and stable weight
Less illness and
recovers more quickly
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Children
The KGOLO-MMOGO PROJECT