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WFP's Response to HIV, AIDS and TB
Proper nutrition is an essential means of protecting the lives and livelihoods of people living with HIV. Food security also plays a critical role in helping to stop the spread of the epidemic. In 2010, WFP reached 2.5 million people affected by HIV and TB in 44 countries.
HIV, Food Insecurity & Malnutrition
The current state of HIV (UNAIDS 2011)
- As of 2010, 34 million people live with HIV.
- There were 2.7 million new HIV infections in 2010, 21% less than in 1997.
- In 2010, 1.8 million people died of AIDS-related diseases.
- In 2010, 47% of all people eligible received HIV treatment.
- International assistance for HIV declined 10% from 2009 to 2010, to US $6.9 billion.
The HIV epidemic is most prevalent where people are poor and face limited access to a healthy diet. Today, it is widely recognized that HIV, malnutrition and food insecurity are closely interlinked, forming a vicious cycle:
- People living with HIV need more calories and nutrients in their diet, but they may also have lower appetites and be less able to absorb the nutrients in their food.
- HIV can affect the ability of people living with HIV to earn a living, which decreases access to food and increases food insecurity.
- Food insecurity can make it more difficult for people living with HIV to adhere to treatment and can lead them to forgoing treatment, selling off assets or engaging in sex work), therefore increasing the likelihood of HIV transmission.
- When people living with HIV are malnourished, the risk of mortality and morbidity increases significantly.
WFP and TNT established North Star Alliance, an initiative that aims to reduce the impact of HIV and other sexually transmitted illnesses on the transport sector in Africa. Roadside Wellness Centres across southern and eastern Africa enhance the HIV response of national health care systems. Services reach truck drivers, sex workers, order officials, dock workers, police and transport communities. Watch video
WFP’s role in supporting the HIV response
In 2010, WFP reached 2.5 million people in 44 countries through its HIV and TB programmes, including food and nutrition support to some 1.3 million people living with HIV as part of their antiretroviral treatment (ART) or TB treatment and another 1.2 million people affected by these diseases.
WFP acknowledges the unique challenge of providing assistance in areas suffering from high HIV prevalence, deep-rooted poverty & food insecurity and weakened governance systems. In light of the existing challenges in the fight against HIV, WFP is committed to maximizing the overall effectiveness of the global HIV response.
WFP’s food and nutrition support plays a vital role in reducing the harmful impacts of HIV, food insecurity and malnutrition. This support is an essential and cost-effective means of complementing ART to reduce mortality, increase treatment adherence and promote nutritional recovery. Food support also acts as a social safety net for food-insecure populations that have felt the negative socio-economic effects of HIV.
Read the fact sheet to find out more about WFP's HIV, AIDS and TB activities.
In December 2011, WFP will lead sessions related to HIV and AIDS at the Global South-South Development Expo and the International Conference for AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA).
WFP is a member of UNAIDS, joining other UN agencies to help prevent new HIV infections and provide treatment and support for people living with HIV. As a member of UNAIDS, WFP is responsible for integrating food and nutrition support into the HIV response. To read the UNAIDS 2011 World AIDS Day Report, click here.
