FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOOD NUTRITION IS THE FOUNDATION OF EFFECTIVE HIV TREATMENT.
Lusaka-As the world commemorates World AIDS Day, the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) wishes to remind the nation that the fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be won with medication alone; it requires a strong foundation of good nutrition and food security.
The Executive Director of the NFNC Dr. Mapani has stated that while Zambia has made tremendous strides in reaching the 95-95-95 targets and ensuring access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) the silent partner in this success is nutrition.
“On this World AIDS Day, we must reinforce the message that ART and Nutrition are inseparable twins “Dr. Mapani said.
The medication suppresses the virus, but it is nutrients that repair the immune system, manage the side effects of treatment and provide the energy needed for a productive life, she said. Without adequate food, adherence to medication becomes a challenge as taking drugs on an empty stomach is difficult for many. Also the drug efficacy is compromised in the malnourished HIV patient.
The Commission notes that as People Living With HIV live longer, healthier lives thanks to effective treatment, a new challenge has emerged the rise of the Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases within this population.
We are now seeing a transition where metabolic changes associated with long term ART use, combined with shifts towards processed diets are putting people living with HIV at risk of heart disease and diabetes, the Executive Director warned. ”Our message today is that ‘living positively also means eating healthy nutritious diet,” We urge all Zambians particularly those on treatment, to pririotize traditional, diverse and unprocessed foods like our indigenous vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Acknowledging the food security challenges posed by the recent climate variations and drought experienced in the 2024/2025 season, the NFNC is calling for intensified social protection and nutrition support for vulnerable households affected by HIV. Food insecurity remains one of the primary reasons for treatment interruptions.
Our farmers should prioritize the growing of nutrient -dense crops to ensure our national basket supports the health of all citizens.
Let us remember that a well nourished body is a resilient body. As we honour those we have lost, and celebrate the lives saved, let us recommit to a future where nutrition is recognized as a human right and a cornerstone of HIV care.
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About the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC)
The NFNC is a statutory body established under the Food and Nutrition Act No.3 of 2020 to advise the Government on Matters relating to food and nutrition and to coordinate nutrition actions across all sectors.
Website: www.nfnc.org.zm
Dr. Muntanga Kampengele Mapani
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Executive Director
