Health Education On HIV/AIDS and NutritionOromo Community, Washington DC

Teshome Geleta Deksissa,M.D.

• . A major global public health problem since early 1980’s.

• .HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus.• The virus that causes AIDS.

• AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome.• Claimed 39 million….mostly in Sub-Saharan countries.• 35 million people live with HIV.

• HIV lives and multiplies primarily in the white blood cells… the immune cells.

• WBC protects us from disease.

• Damage to the WBC….low immunity…infection / cancer….AIDS.

• No safe and effective cure currently exists.

• How is HIV transmitted?

• 1. body fluids: blood, breast milk, genital secretions.

• 2.Injections : sharing needles, sharp materials.• 3. blood / blood products transfusions• .• 4. mother to child.

• HIV doesn’t discriminate!

• PREVENTION

• 1.Abstinence• 2. Be faithful/ monogamy….after negative result.• 3. condom use… consistent, proper use.• 4.Don’t share sharp equipment/ needles.• 5.Screened blood … before transfusion.• 6.Avoid pregnancy/ early treatment for both the Mom and the baby… during

pregnancy and immediately after birth.• 7.C / Section.• 8.No breast feeding.

• What is the best approach?

• 1. Knowledge/ Health Education….prevention.• 2. VCT. Know your serum status.• No preventive vaccine or Cure.• ART to prolong life… With change of life style to decrease risk/ further

exposure…. Different varieties and increased viral load.

NUTRITION

• Why food is important?• For growth.• For development• For repair.• For survival / maintenance

The 6 Nutrients:

1.Carbohydrate2.Fats3.Protien4. Vitamins5.Minerals6.Water

• Balanced Diet: everything is about balance.

• Malnutrition…abnormal ( excess or less)• Under nutrition…starving….Disease• Over nutrition…overweight / Obesity…Disease

• Food/ nutrition related health problems:

• Overweight, obesity, high cholesterol, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension….. Heart attack, stroke.

• Under nutrition: low immunity/ infection or cancer, anemia, goiter, nerve problem, stunted growth, underweight.• Daily requirement varies: age, sex, level of activity, health status.• BALANCE…BALANCE….BALANCE !!!

•Questions ?•MARII