Nutrition manual for HIV/AIDS carriers published

10:09, 24/09/2013

A manual book guiding care and nutrition support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA) has been introduced to health workers to enable their better food counseling services to these people. 

A doctor is giving advice to an HIV-infected patient in Hanoi
A doctor is giving advice to an HIV-infected patient 

A manual book guiding care and nutrition support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA) has been introduced to health workers to enable their better food counseling services to these people. 

The book introduction took place at a conference co-hosted by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department in Hanoi on September 23, seeing the participation of health workers from 12 cities and provinces nationwide. 

According to NIN Deputy Head Le Danh Tuyen, HIV infection in Vietnam spreads mainly among high risk groups, including drug users, prostitutes and homosexual people. 

The virus can worsen the malnutrition that has already attacked the infected, weakening their immune system and increasing opportunistic infection vulnerability, he said. 

The manual, compiled by the NIN and the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department in coordination with international organisations, is expected to help local health staff improve their counseling for both PLWA and their families regarding nutrition issues.

(Source:VNA)