[pronut-hiv] Africa: Payne Introduces Bill on HIV/AIDS and Nutrition

["ProNut-HIV" <pronut-hiv@healthnet.org>]

United States Congress ( http://thomas.loc.gov/ ) (Washington, DC)

PRESS RELEASE
21 December 2007
United States Congressman Donald M. Payne, chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, today introduced the Global HIV/AIDS Food Security and Nutrition Act of 2007.   The bill, which would amend the President*s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), seeks to ensure that people receiving US-funded AIDS treatment also receive nutritional support.
PEPFAR, launched in 2003, is a $15 billion initiative aimed at addressing the global HIV/AIDS crisis.   Since its establishment, PEPFAR has accomplished a great deal.   According to the U.S. Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), over 800,000 people are currently receiving anti-retroviral medications.    Through PEPFAR, nearly 50,000 people living with AIDS start life-saving therapies every month.
 
On World AIDS Day 2006, in Nairobi, Kenya, Representative Payne stated, *It is my belief that the United States government should double our commitment to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.*   Last May, President Bush announced that his administration would, in fact, seek to double PEPFAR funding to $30 billion.
 
However, the issue of food insecurity undermines the United States* efforts to provide the adequate prevention, care and treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS.
The mortality rate for malnourished individuals starting an anti-retroviral regimen is 6 times higher than their adequately nourished counterparts, and the side effects of HIV/AIDS medication are more pronounced for individuals who are not receiving adequate nutritional support, which could impact a patient*s adherence to a treatment regimen.

Payne*s Global HIV/AIDS Food Security and Nutrition Act of 2007 calls on the OGAC to ensure that patients receiving US-funded anti-retrovirals are given nutritional assessments, counseling and, if necessary, nutritional support for a period of not less than 6 months.   It also directs the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator assure that individuals who receive food assistance under this bill also are linked with agricultural development and livelihood programs.

*PEPFAR has made great strides in combating the spread and effects of HIV/AIDS,* Payne said.   *My legislation will not only provide food assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS but also will empower PEPFAR countries to build their capacity and to support the health and nutrition of their communities.*