Nutrition and HIV/AIDS: A Training Manual - Linkages Project

women even more susceptible to opportunistic infections. Condom use may helpHIV-positive women avoid infecting their uninfected partners or prevent repeatedexposure to infection from HIV-infected partners. Repeated exposure to HIV canincrease maternal viral load and increase the risk of MTCT.Psychosocial support (slide 37)Psychosocial support is an important part of nutritional care and support for the HIVinfectedpregnant or lactating woman or adolescent. Malnutrition with wasting hasan impact on self-esteem, which can lead to depression, isolation, lack of appetite,and an aversion to food. For the HIV-infected pregnant or lactating woman oradolescent, this can increase the risk of malnutrition.It is important to explore feelings such as guilt, fear, and denial when providingpsychosocial support. The woman should receive emotional, spiritual, and socialsupport in a supportive environment. Encourage access to peer support whereavailable. Counsel and support the woman on coping with possible stigmatizationand discrimination, especially if she has not disclosed her HIV status to her partner,family, and friends.Antenatal and post-natal care (slide 38)Good antenatal and post-natal care are integral components of nutritional care andsupport for women infected with HIV. The antenatal clinic is a good place to startearly nutrition interventions to minimize the impact of HIV on a woman’s nutritionalstatus. Monitoring weight and diet at all antenatal contacts can help ensureadequate weight gain and food intake during pregnancy (see Handout 6.1: HealthSector and Maternal Actions to Improve Maternal Nutrition in Africa). Early nutritioninterventions for HIV-infected pregnant women may help improve their overallpregnancy outcomes.Where available, ARVs should be provided to reduce mother-to-child transmission ofHIV. Antimalarial prophylaxis and deworming medications should be provided as pernational protocols to reduce the risk of anemia and low birth weight. Where possibleforge links with traditional birth attendants and include them in discussions onreproductive health practices. Inclusion of the traditional birth attendants can helpreduce the risk of MTCT.150