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

3. Reduction ofmalaria infectionin pregnantwomen inendemic areas4. Reduction ofhookworminfection inpregnant womenin endemic areas5. Birth spacing ofthree years orlonger• Prescribe and makeaccessible antimalariacurative or prophylacticdrugs to pregnant womenaccording to localrecommendations• Treat clinical infections• Promote use of insecticidetreatedmaterials• Counsel on preventativemeasures (sanitation andfootwear)• Prescribe and makeaccessible antihelminthicsafter first trimester ofpregnancy• Promote optimalbreastfeeding practices• Promote family planning asa health and nutritionintervention; counsel on theneed for a recuperativeperiod to build energy andmicronutrient stores• In the second and third trimesters,take antimalarial drugs as a curativetreatment regardless of symptoms ORtake weekly antimalarial prophylaxisstarting at the first antenatal visit• Seek treatment for fever duringpregnancy; take drugs to treat malariaand reduce fever; take iron/folic acidsupplements to treat anemia• Use insecticide-treated materials• Wear shoes and dispose of fecescarefully to prevent infection• Take a single dose of Albendazole (400mg) or a single dose of Mebendazole(500 mg) in the second trimester ofpregnancy to treat hookworm ifendemic (> 50% prevalence)• Initiate breastfeeding in the first hourafter birth, breastfeed exclusively for 6months, and continue breastfeeding for2 years or more• Practice family planning to spacebirths for at least 3 years; delaypregnancy so that there are at least 6months between the period ofbreastfeeding and the subsequentpregnancy• Consider breastfeedingstatus when prescribingcontraception• Use contraceptives that protectbreastfeeding• Promote safer sex.• Use condoms before deciding tobecome pregnant and during pregnancyand lactationSource: Adapted from Essential Health Sector Actions to Improve Maternal Nutrition in Africa, May2001158