HIV and Nutrition: Building Effective Policy and Advocacy Efforts

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HIV and Nutrition Building Effective Policy and
Advocacy Efforts
Ashleigh Black GW Center for Global Health
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Making the Case

• Increasing body of evidence demonstrated the
  links between malnutrition, HIV, and AIDS
• Has not always transferred into the work and
  resource allocations of national HIV/AIDS
  commissions or secretariats or international
  partners

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International Policy Milestones

• WHO-led Durban forum in April 2005 on nutrition
  and HIV/AIDS
• Project Concern International-led forum in Lusaka
  in May 2006 on food security, nutrition and HIV

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International Policy Milestones

• June 2006, Article 28 in the Declaration of
  Commitment by UNGASS
• all people at all times, will have access to
  sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet
  their dietary needs and food preferences for an
  active and healthy life, as part of a
  comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS.
• August 2006 International AIDS Conference

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USG Policy Milestones

• In 2005, Report language in ForeignOperations
  Bill H.R. 3057 asked OGAC to address the
  nutritional requirements of persons
  receiving care and treatment. 
• October 2007 OGAC revised BMI criteria to include
  food and nutrition support to patients with a BMI
  under 18.5

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Challenges

• Limited interface between those responsible for
  health and those responsible for agriculture and
  food/nutrition
• Limited commitment from donors/national policy
  makers for initiatives needed to achieve
  integration
• Pressure from civil society lacking in these
  debates

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Looking Forward

• Requires new collaboration across multiple
  sectors and disciplines
• Strengthening groups like FANSHA/HANC
• Participation in AIDS working groups like the
  Global AIDS Roundtable