In April 2007, the Drum Beat Chat discussion forum of The Communication Initiative (www.comminit.com) focused on a piece by industrial chemist and HETN Advisor, Basil Kransdorff, in which he identified malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and hunger as key elements in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment plans in Africa. He suggests that efforts have been misguided away from these issues owing to a lack of interest and nutritional understanding, pharma-commercial priorities, and ignorance. Basil believes that acknowledging the link between health and nutrition must become the basis of all health interventions.

Click here to read Basil’s article, followed by edited comments from the debate that ensued. Contributions were numerous and varied and came overwhelmingly from people located in Africa. Of note was the lack of participation by those working with large international aid organisations and those in the academic and medical fields.