World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Lee Jong-wook on Monday appealed for greater attention to the nutrition of people living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
Addressing health experts from 20 African countries at a WHO meeting in South Africa's port city of Durban, Jong-wook said that despite being one of the critical aspects of care and support for HIV-positive people, nutrition had been largely ignored.
"We know that sound nutrition helps maintain the immune system, increases body weight and boosts energy levels but, in Africa, [infected people] are frequently admitted to hospital already malnourished," Lee said in statement.
The UN health agency chief warned that massive international investment in care, support and anti-AIDS treatment could be jeopardised if people receiving treatment were not sufficiently nourished.
Delegates attending the three-day meeting are to produce recommendations for immediate action to improve the nutrition and health of HIV-positive people in southern and eastern Africa.
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