Researchers at the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) have concluded that no amount of food or supplement can substitute for medical treatment of HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis. While nutrition is important for general well-being, the consensus panel of the ASSAf confirmed, good health for people living with either infection in Africa means antiretroviral therapy.
The 15-member panel, which includes nutritionists, immunologists, biochemists, and infectious disease physicians, has submitted the report to government officials and it can now be viewed online.
Beth Benne, RN, is HIV negative, but
the virus has impacted her life. She currently supervises a biannual HIV/AIDS awareness week as
the director of the student health center at Pierce College, a
community commuter school in Woodland Hills, California.
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Overheard in the Women's Forum
"I recently met a guy who is negative. I did tell him about my status and he decided to kiss me anyway (we didn't go further than that). But a day later, he called and said that he actually had a mouth ulcer that time when we kissed and he was very worried. Asked if he can get the virus from me that way. For that moment, I felt so insulted and yet I felt so bad. It was my first time having a contact with a "negative" guy."
