Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a public health challenge that can degenerate into acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) if not properly managed. HIV infection shortens life expectancy to about 5 to 10 years compared to noninfected
individuals. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are prone to several health challenges as a result of a deranged immune system
culminating in high morbidity and mortality. Depression is a common feature of PLWHA. Depression heightens the emergence
of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected individuals, accelerates the progression to AIDS, and increased suicidal tendencies,
morbidity, and mortality. Food insecurity with its resultant undernutrition contributes to HIV/AIDS-related deaths. Undernourished
PLWHA are more prone to opportunistic infections due to poor immunity. Interestingly, proper diet intake can boost immunity, slow
the progression of AIDS and opportunistic infections, enhance body weight, and retard depression tendencies. Undernutrition
can also be ameliorated by incorporating nutritional counseling and oral nutrient supplementation in routine HIV/AIDS checkups.
Therefore, to increase HIV/AIDS management outcomes, the integration of nutrition counseling, dietary supplements, and mental
health services should be embraced. Thus, HIV/AIDS care centers should amplify these services. In this article, we isolated relevant
studies from various databases, illuminated the interwoven relationship between HIV/AIDS, depression, and undernutrition, and
also reemphasized the need for adequate nutritional intervention in the battle against HIV/AIDS. Thus, this study provides a
reawakening call to focus on incorporating nutritional guides and mental health care in HIV/AIDS management protocols