World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization have prepared this ninety-seven-page guide for health care workers, HIV/AIDS patients and their families detailing the role of nutrition in the progression of the disease. This guide offers suggestions to enable people living in resource-poor settings, where drugs and health care may be scarce, to cope with and possibly delay the progression of the virus. 

Balanced nutrition can bolster the immune system and boost energy levels, helping the body to fight the disease by preventing malnutrition and maintaining body weight 

The report suggests inexpensive recipes for soups, teas and stews, which are easier for AIDS patients, who often experience soreness of the mouth, to eat. The recipes use foods endemic to rural areas of the developing world, such as guava, papaya and baobab fruit, that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. 

"Food isn't a magic bullet. It won't stop people dying of AIDS. But it can help them live longer, more comfortable and more productive lives," says William Clay, a nutrition specialist for FAO.