HIV/AIDS is now the leading cause of premature death in sub-Saharan Africa. The high prevalence of the disease aggravates hunger and poverty among affected families by reducing household labor supply and limiting economic opportunities.
Studies in several developing countries over the last decade indicate that HIV infection rates in fishing communities can be five to ten times as high as those in the general population. The factors behind this include the typical age of fishermen (who, at 15 to 35, are most sexually active), mobile lifestyles that increase exposure to risky behaviors, and inadequate health care and HIV support services in marginalized fishing villages.
Researchers in Malawi are modifying WorldFish’s fish-farming technologies to address the specific needs of HIV-affected households. Besides providing a means of livelihood, the approach aims to optimize family nutrition through increased consumption of fresh fish. Improved nutrition has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of anti-retroviral drugs and help fortify against secondary diseases. According to the World Health Organization, good nourishment can prolong the life of people living with HIV by up to eight years.
WorldFish Center publication:
HIV/AIDS in the Fishery sector |
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Integrated agriculture aquaculture has proven to be highly beneficial for HIV-affected households; these families benefit from farming methods that need less capital and lower labor input
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