Ugandans' hunger 'hinders the impact of HIV and AIDS medicines'
08/02/2010
Food shortages in Uganda are affecting the treatment of HIV and AIDS in the country, according to a report.
Research by The AIDS Support Organisation in Uganda has found that malnourished patients are six times more likely to die than those who have enough food to survive, AllAfrica.com informed.
Dr Bernard Etukoit, programme management director for the group, said that without basic nutrition it is difficult for people to absorb medicine and cope with their side-effects.
He added that with an HIV patient, it is even more important that they receive the sustenance they need, as there are increased demands on their bodies caused by the loss of nutrients through vomiting and poor digestion.
Furthermore, suffers may also have three or four additional illnesses, putting further strain upon their systems on top of other natural demands.
In related news, last month a collaborative project was set up between several nations in Uganda to work together on research into malaria, HIV and tuberculosis.
Written by Simon Bassett 
