Short Course - Nutritional Support for People with HIV
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June 28 to July 2, 1999
Harare, Zimbabwe
Institute of Food, Nutrition and Family Sciences
University of Zimbabwe
BACKGROUND
Health care for people with HIV/AIDS has concentrated almost en-
tirely on treating infections. However malnutrition has contrib-
uted to between 60 and 80 per cent of AIDS deaths. In countries
like Zimbabwe medical treatment options are limited, therefore
nutritional support becomes fundamental in the care for people
with HIV/AIDS.
Food cannot cure AIDS, nor does it treat the virus, but can cer-
tainly improve fitness and quality of life for people with HIV /
AIDS. Eating enough and a balance of different foods helps to
maintain body weight and muscles. Suitable food helps to maintain
and improve the performance of the immune system. Many of the
symptoms of HIV/AIDS are treatable with appropriate nutrition.
This makes sense considering that many of the infections that are
associated with HIV affect food intake, digestion and absorption,
while others influence the metabolism.
This course is one of a series of short courses organised by the
Institute of Food, Nutrition and Family Sciences on topic and
relevant nutrition and food science issues.
AIMS AND GENERAL OBJECTIVES
Apart from understanding the interrelationship between food and
nutrition and HIV, and the possibilities and limitations of nu-
tritional support for people with HIV, participants will be
equipped with practical skills on how to disseminate the informa-
tion to people with HIV, their care givers and other health work-
ers. The course includes an update on the ongoing discussions
around vertical transmission and infant feeding options for HIV
infected mothers.
TARGET GROUPS
The course is intended for officers who are responsible for plan-
ning and implementing training and counselling programmes for
health workers, care givers and people with HIV. The course is
open to officers of both governmental and non-governmental or-
ganisations. Trainers among nurses, community health workers, nu-
tritionists, home care providers, women organisations, AIDS serv-
ice organisations, NGO's and other interested parties are there-
fore encouraged to apply.
COURSE METHODS
The course programme includes a mixture of activities, including
class work, group projects, individual presentations and discus-
sion. In addition there will be a video presentation. Course par-
ticipants will be provided with a reader consisting lecture notes
and background materials.
The course is specifically designed to provide an effective and
varied learning experience in the short time available. Emphasis
is on participation and discussion, enabling participants to put
newly acquired knowledge into practice, as well as to share and
learn from other participants. Lecturers are staff from the In-
stitute, the course organisers and strategically positioned prac-
titioners from the public and NGO sector.
FEES
Tuition fees for this one week course are Z$ 3,000 (1 US$ = 38
Z$). The amount includes administration fees and lecture materi-
als. The course is non residential, but tea and lunches will be
provided. Deserving students can apply for sponsorship.
For more information on the short course "Nutritional support for
people with HIV" or any other short course at the Institute,
please contact:
The Co-ordinator
Short Courses IFNFS
Institute of Food, Nutrition and Family Sciences
University of Zimbabwe
PO Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263-4-303-211 - Ext. 1413
direct line: +263-4-307-762
Fax: +263-4-336-491
mailto:ifnfs@africaonline.co.zw
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