In the Caribbean, HIV/AIDS is a public health problem of enormous magnitude with prevalence rates ranging from 1 to 3 percent, as conservative estimates. There is now evidence that nutrition can be a major influence on the progression of the disease and may also enhance the efficacy of drug treatments. The growth of knowledge and interest in the area of nutrition and HIV/AIDS is rapid. This book captures the current knowledge and presents the up-to-date practices related to this subject.

This book is a companion volume to our earlier publication "Healthy Eating For Better Living" which was targeted to the general public, caregivers and persons living with HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this book is to provide technical yet practical information for professionals involved in the practice and teaching of Nutrition and HIV/AIDS at all levels. At the national level, the book can be helpful to individuals such as planners, physicians, nurses, health educators, public health nutritionists and other persons who are involved in formulating policies regarding the management of HIV/AIDS. At the local level, administrators, physicians, nurses, nutritionists and dietitians should find it of equal value.

The integral relationship between nutrition and HIV/AIDS provides another opportunity to combat this disease. As the epidemic spreads throughout the Caribbean, the public health community will be expected to respond to the increasing burden of care. There is a clear need for public health professionals with knowledge of the nutritional management of HIV and AIDS. The Canadian International Development Agency and the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute hope that this book will become a useful resource for health professionals as they are called on to meet this challenge.

Fitzroy Henry
Director, CFNI