From the Science and Development Network, 22 August, 2007: According to a report released by the Academy of Science of South Africa, improved nutrition cannot substitute for medication in the treatment of people infected with HIV or tuberculosis. The report challenges traditional medicine and state public health programs touting herbal remedies and nutrition as a viable alternative to anti-retroviral drugs. The report, however, noted that improved nutrition can postpone the need for anti-retroviral drugs in an HIV infected individual, and emphasized the importance of nutrition to general public health and immune system function.

The GLCRSP HNP Project, Increasing Animal Source Foods in the Diets of HIV-infected Kenyan Women and Their Children, investigates the role of animal source foods (ASF) in improving nutrition for those infected with HIV early in the disease course in order to delay progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and improve the effectiveness of anti-retroviral treatment.