Increasing role of human immunodeficiency virus infection among children with protein energy malnutrition

Protein energy malnutrition is highly prevalent in the developing countries among the under-five children. Nigeria accounts for one third of all new HIV infections among children in the 21 priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV infection in children worsens their nutritional status with its attendant morbidity and mortality. Aim: Thus this study seeks to assess the growing trend of HIV infection among malnourished children. Methodology: A retrospective review of children admitted for acute severe malnutrition in the Children’s ward of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. The study period was from 1st January 2012 to 31stJuly 2014. Result: Eleven (17.2%) among the subjects studied had HIV infection. The males to female ratio among the HIV infected children was almost equal (1:0.8). Mortality was unacceptably high (37.5%). Conclusion: There is urgent need to scale up prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV infectionvia equitable distribution of resources and encouraging ownership.