HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
- 350,000 people
- living with HIV and their families received WFP assistance in 2023
- 22 countries
- received assistance for tuberculosis and HIV prevention activities in 2023
HIV remains one of the greatest global health challenges. In 2023, someone died of an AIDS-related illness every single minute, and more than people than ever – an estimated 40 million – are living with HIV today. Adolescent girls and young women are particularly badly affected, with 5,000 girls acquiring HIV every week. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading killer of people living with HIV : those living with HIV are between 26-31 times more likely to develop TB than those without HIV.
HIV can trap those affected in a downward spiral of poor health and hunger. People living with HIV and TB need more calories and nutrients to help strengthen their immune systems. Yet HIV can suppress appetite, reduce nutrient absorption, and increase susceptibility to other infections – exacerbating malnutrition. When left untreated, HIV gradually destroys the immune system, causing weight loss and wasting. Additionally, people who start HIV treatment while malnourished are 3-5 times more likely to die than those who are not malnourished.
HIV is most prevalent where poverty and food insecurity are widespread. Costs of medical care, stigma, and loss of income can further deepen food insecurity, while people facing hunger may resort to risky behaviours that increase the risk of HIV transmission. Food-insecure individuals are also less likely to adhere to life-saving treatment, perpetuating a vicious cycle of illness and malnutrition. Integrating food and nutrition support into HIV and TB treatment packages is therefore critical for achieving better health outcomes.
WFP's work in HIV/TB
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Food and nutrition support
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Within the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), WFP is the lead agency for ensuring that food and nutrition support is integrated into national HIV and TB strategies and provided to patients when needed. WFP also leads the HIV response in humanitarian settings, along with UNHCR. We support people living with HIV and their families through nutrition assessment, counselling, the provision of specialized nutritious food, and food and cash assistance.
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HIV in emergencies
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During humanitarian crises, access to healthcare services and medication may be disrupted, and patients may find it hard to meet their nutritional needs. Our emergency response ensures that affected people have access to treatment, as well as to essential food and nutrition support.
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Considering HIV in all interventions
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WFP continues to expand HIV-sensitive approaches – programmes which are not specifically designed for HIV patients, but which takes their needs into account. We also support governments and partners to adequately include people affected by HIV into broader social protection schemes.
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Capacity building
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All WFP programmes include activities that enable countries and communities to sustain their own development. In the area of HIV, we work directly with governments and other national actors to support the development of strategies that integrate food and nutrition security for people living with HIV and their families.
