Namibia: Ministry Gives ARVs, Not Food
New Era (Windhoek), July 25, 2005
Though the focus has been directed towards making nutrition and the intake of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) a top priority by most countries, the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia only distributes drugs and not food to people living with HIV.
ARVs are a cocktail of drugs given to HIV infected persons to reduce the rate of replication of the virus in the body and thus prolong their lives.
These drugs are usually prescribed when the virus has reached an advanced stage in which the body's defence mechanism is compromised.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula told New Era that Namibian hospitals do not distribute food rations to people receiving these drugs.
"It's not in our mandate to do that. It falls under the drought relief programme," explained the top Health and Social Services official.
However, the chief clerk responsible for coordinating the Khomas Region Emergency Services, Sebastian Uahengo indicated that when his desk normally registers people for food rations, it does not make provisions to provide food to those receiving ARV treatment. "We only give food to pensioners, the differently abled, lactating mothers and pregnant women who are unemployed," he said.
Currently, there are 11 000 HIV/AIDS patients on ARV treatment in the whole country, confirmed the Director of Special Programmes in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ela Shihepo. Just like any other drug would have side effects on patients, different people are affected differently when they take the drugs; hence the recommendation that patients have something to eat before they take their medication.
In 2003, cases of HIV/AIDS people totalling 136 068 were reported to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Recently, a media report highlighting the plight of those affected and infected with HIV/AIDS found that many people in the country stop taking their medication due to hunger. "You must eat first, but what can you eat if there is no food? Sometimes, they are forced to stop going to the hospital for medicine, but on an empty stomach what is the use?" asked a community-based counsellor who declined to be identified.
Emphasis is being placed on the fact that although the virus can weaken the immune system, it is possible to strengthen the immune system by practicing healthy eating habits. This includes eating food that is rich in all nutrients.
In cases where an HIV and AIDS patient has no access to ARVs, nutritious foods are the best way to boost the body's immune system. Even where ARVs are available, a healthy diet is essential.
Health experts believe a combination of the right medication and good nutrition strengthens the immune system, thwarts opportunistic infections and slows the progression of HIV and eventually AIDS.
They further believe that insufficient dietary intake leads to muscle wasting which in turn increases viral replication and quickens the progression of an HIV infection to AIDS.
However, the situation calls for a concerted effort in promoting healthy eating habits.
Source: AllAfrica.com
Though the focus has been directed towards making nutrition and the intake of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) a top priority by most countries, the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia only distributes drugs and not food to people living with HIV.
ARVs are a cocktail of drugs given to HIV infected persons to reduce the rate of replication of the virus in the body and thus prolong their lives.
These drugs are usually prescribed when the virus has reached an advanced stage in which the body's defence mechanism is compromised.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula told New Era that Namibian hospitals do not distribute food rations to people receiving these drugs.
"It's not in our mandate to do that. It falls under the drought relief programme," explained the top Health and Social Services official.
However, the chief clerk responsible for coordinating the Khomas Region Emergency Services, Sebastian Uahengo indicated that when his desk normally registers people for food rations, it does not make provisions to provide food to those receiving ARV treatment. "We only give food to pensioners, the differently abled, lactating mothers and pregnant women who are unemployed," he said.
Currently, there are 11 000 HIV/AIDS patients on ARV treatment in the whole country, confirmed the Director of Special Programmes in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ela Shihepo. Just like any other drug would have side effects on patients, different people are affected differently when they take the drugs; hence the recommendation that patients have something to eat before they take their medication.
In 2003, cases of HIV/AIDS people totalling 136 068 were reported to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Recently, a media report highlighting the plight of those affected and infected with HIV/AIDS found that many people in the country stop taking their medication due to hunger. "You must eat first, but what can you eat if there is no food? Sometimes, they are forced to stop going to the hospital for medicine, but on an empty stomach what is the use?" asked a community-based counsellor who declined to be identified.
Emphasis is being placed on the fact that although the virus can weaken the immune system, it is possible to strengthen the immune system by practicing healthy eating habits. This includes eating food that is rich in all nutrients.
In cases where an HIV and AIDS patient has no access to ARVs, nutritious foods are the best way to boost the body's immune system. Even where ARVs are available, a healthy diet is essential.
Health experts believe a combination of the right medication and good nutrition strengthens the immune system, thwarts opportunistic infections and slows the progression of HIV and eventually AIDS.
They further believe that insufficient dietary intake leads to muscle wasting which in turn increases viral replication and quickens the progression of an HIV infection to AIDS.
However, the situation calls for a concerted effort in promoting healthy eating habits.
Source: AllAfrica.com
posted by AIDS-Care-Watch at 9:53 am
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