Well, it is finally official - what medical research has known for some time - no nutritional programme will prevent the progression of HIV to the syndrome AIDS. Not even if it contains garlic, olive oil, beetroot and the much lauded African potato. These are the findings of a panel of South African scientists who have conducted exhaustive research into the literature on the links between improved nutrition and the treatment of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. This is not to say that good nutrition is not good for general health, but the only thing that will treat HIV and prevent or slow progression to AIDS is antiretroviral drugs and the only things that will treat TB are the outdated, but tried and tested antibiotics. It is time for the Minister to eat her words - liberally garnished with said food items. Perhaps now we will stop making ourselves the laughing stock of the scientific world and start concentrating on the task at hand - containing this epidemic that is taking an entire generation from us.
Dr Bridget Farham, editor: https://www.bizcommunity.com