Publication

This paper discusses the economic link between food security and the health status of poor households in Africa. It argues that effectively supporting HIV-infected households requires addressing livelihood needs such as nutrition, in addition to treatment and care activities. The author highlights the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on labor, human and social capital and contends that since food security depends on availability and access, the impact of HIV/AIDS on Africa's agricultural workforce has negative effects on food supply and reliability. He notes that HIV/AIDS-affected households are vulnerable to diminished food security and likely to engage in risky behavior for survival, further spreading the disease and deepening poverty.