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

Vulnerabilityof Women and Young Girls• Antenatal HIV-positive rates are up to 50%• Women and young girls face greater risk ofinfection than men− Biological factors− Limited access to economic opportunities− Limited access to health care increases riskfactors− Diminished social status compromising ability tochose healthier life strategies• Women are responsible for caring for the sickwhen they themselves may also be infectedWomen, Nutrition, and HIV• Good maternal nutrition is important forwomen’s health and reproduction and infantsurvival and development• Malnourished women are at higher reproductiverisk and have poorer pregnancy outcomes thanwell-nourished women• In Africa endemic malnutrition is complicatedby the AIDS epidemicMalnutrition and HIVWork in TandemMalnutritionWeakens the immune systemIncreases vulnerability and susceptibilityto infectionIncreased nutrientrequirementsNutritional Implications forthe HIV-Positive Pregnantor Lactating Woman orAdolescent GirlHIV infectionDuring PregnancyMalnutrition increases maternal morbidityand mortality• Zinc and vitamin A deficiencies increase the risk ofreproductive tract infections• Low calcium intake increases the risk of pre-eclampsiaand high blood pressure• Iron deficiency reduces resistance to disease, causesfatigue, and reduces productivity• Anemia increases risks of prolonged labor and deathfrom hemorrhageDuring Pregnancy, Cont.Malnutrition affects birth outcome• Leads to intra-uterine growth retardation and low birthweight• Decreases nutrient stores for later development• Increases neonatal mortality and morbidityMalnutrition may increase the risk of MTCT• Vitamin A deficiency associated with increased viralload in blood, genital secretions, and breastmilk• Low hemoglobin associated with increased risk of pretermdelivery and low birth weight—risk factors forMTCT