Nutritional impact of supplementary feeding among Under five children living with HIV in Mid-Northern Uganda

Undernutrition is common among children living with HIV/AIDS. The vexing challenge is inadequate sustainability components of caretakers to meet the nutritional needs of such children. Supporting the needs of mothers/caretakers and CLHA can reduce the risk of MTCT and improve the nutritional status of the infected/affected child for proper early childhood growth. The present study examines the impact of supplementary feeding on the nutritional status of CLHA under five years of age. A cross-sectional implementation data was collected by HAU (2010/2011) on 883 CLHA under five years provided by their mothers/caretakers in Amuru and Gulu districts. ANOVA/MCA was used to compare mean anthropometric indicators recorded before and after introducing the child to supplementary feeding and other health integrated programmes. Overall, mean discharge weights and MUAC of the child increased significantly. Cure rate was as high as 83% above the standard 75%. Although length of stay was slightly above the standard (97.7 days), the average weight gained for children was 2.8g/Kg per day within the recommended IMAM guideline 90 days and <5g/kg per day. Introducing supplementary feeding to CLHA together with an integrated health programs such as vaccination/immunization, family planning and VCT would boost the survival status of CLHA.