Nutriton and infectious disease

Question 1

What is the malnutrition–infection cycle?

Answer 1

Infections increase nutrient needs/losses, while malnutrition weakens immunity, making infections more frequent and severe.

Question 2

Why is the malnutrition–infection cycle especially dangerous for children?

Answer 2

It leads to more frequent illness and worsens malnutrition, increasing the risk of stunting and death.

Question 3

What are 4 key infectious diseases linked with nutrition?

Answer 3

Diarrhoeal disease,

malaria,

tuberculosis (TB),

HIV/AIDS.

Question 4

What increases a child’s risk of diarrhoea?

Answer 4

Unsafe water,

poor sanitation,

inadequate breastfeeding,

malnutrition.

Question 5

How does diarrhoea worsen nutrition?

Answer 5

Causes malabsorption and appetite loss, leading to undernutrition and stunting.

Question 6

What are 3 key WASH interventions for preventing diarrhoea?

Answer 6

Clean water,

improved sanitation (e.g. latrines),

hygiene promotion (e.g. handwashing with soap).

Question 7

How does breastfeeding help prevent diarrhoeal disease?

Answer 7

Breast milk contains antibodies and avoids contaminated water exposure.

Question 8

What 2 vaccines help prevent diarrhoea?

Answer 8

Rotavirus and measles vaccines.

Question 9

What is ORS and how does it help?

Answer 9

Oral Rehydration Salts treat dehydration and have saved millions of lives in diarrhoeal disease.

Question 10

What is the role of zinc in diarrhoea treatment?

Answer 10

A 10–14 day zinc course reduces diarrhoea severity and recurrence.

Question 11

What should be done nutritionally during and after diarrhoea?

Answer 11

Continue feeding during illness and provide extra food/micronutrients for catch-up growth.

Question 12

What is the GAPPD framework?

Answer 12

Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea – integrates protection, prevention, and treatment, including nutrition.

Question 13

How is malaria related to nutrition?

Answer 13

Malnutrition increases malaria severity; malaria worsens anaemia and undernutrition.

Question 14

What is a key example of malaria’s nutritional impact?

Answer 14

Malaria causes haemolysis and inflammation, leading to iron-deficiency anaemia.

Question 15

How is malaria prevented?

Answer 15

ITNs,

indoor spraying,

mosquito control,

intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp).

Question 16

Why must iron supplementation be paired with malaria control?

Answer 16

Iron can support parasite growth; malaria prevention is needed to avoid harm.

Question 17

What other micronutrients are studied for malaria outcomes?

Answer 17

Vitamin A and zinc – mixed results, but generally support recovery.

Question 18

How is severe malaria-related anaemia treated?

Answer 18

Blood transfusions and nutritional rehabilitation.

Question 19

What is the link between TB and malnutrition?

Answer 19

Malnutrition increases TB risk; TB causes wasting and undernutrition.

Question 20

Why is TB called “consumption”?

Answer 20

It causes extreme weight loss and wasting.

Question 21

What are nutrition needs during TB?

Answer 21

Increased calorie/protein needs and support from vitamin D, A, and zinc.

Question 22

How is nutrition support included in TB care?

Answer 22

Assessment,

counselling,

food baskets,

supplements,

post-treatment recovery support.

Question 23

Why is good nutrition important in TB treatment?

Answer 23

It improves immunity, supports drug tolerance, and reduces relapse risk.

Question 24

How can reducing undernutrition lower TB rates?

Answer 24

It strengthens immunity and reduces the risk of latent TB becoming active.

Question 25

How does HIV affect nutrition?

Answer 25

Reduces intake, absorption, and increases nutrient needs – leading to malnutrition and faster disease progression.

Question 26

What are increased energy needs in HIV?

Answer 26

5–30% more calories depending on disease stage and weight loss.

Question 27

What micronutrient deficiencies are common in HIV?

Answer 27

Vitamin A, B-vitamins, zinc, selenium.

Question 27

How does HIV affect children nutritionally?

Answer 27

Causes growth faltering and increases infection risk.

Question 28

What nutrition services should HIV clinics provide?

Answer 28

Assessment, counselling, energy/protein-rich meal advice, food safety guidance.

Question 29

What food support is provided in HIV care?

Answer 29

Fortified supplementary foods or meal replacements, especially during early ART.

Question 30

What micronutrient supplements help in HIV?

Answer 30

Vitamin A reduces child mortality; multiple micronutrients may improve CD4 counts.

Question 31

Why must caution be used with high-dose supplements in HIV?

Answer 31

Some (e.g. iron, high-dose vitamin A) may worsen infection if not properly managed.

Question 32

How is breastfeeding managed in HIV?

Answer 32

Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is recommended with ART, continued to 12–24 months if the mother’s viral load is suppressed.

Question 32

Why is breastfeeding recommended even with HIV?

Answer 32

The benefits outweigh the risk when ART is effective and formula feeding isn't safe.

Question 33

How does ART affect nutrition outcomes?

Answer 33

Restores appetite, improves nutrient absorption, supports immune function.

Question 34

What undermines ART success in HIV care?

Answer 34

Food insecurity – without proper nutrition, adherence and treatment outcomes decline.

Question 35

How is food insecurity tackled in HIV programs?

Answer 35

Through community food support, economic assistance, and integrated services.

Question 36

What are examples of integrated programs addressing infection and nutrition?

Answer 36

PEPFAR food programs, USAID’s Feed the Future, UNICEF’s IMCI strategy.

Question 37

What SDGs are involved in tackling infection and malnutrition?

Answer 37

SDG3 (health), SDG2 (nutrition), l SDG6 (WASH).

Question 38

What root causes must be addressed to break the malnutrition-infection cycle?

Answer 38

Poverty, poor education (especially for women), weak health systems.