Perspectives on the Impacts of a Food Support Program on the Well-Being of People Living With HIV (PLHIV) and on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Khomas Region, Namibia.

Abstract

People living with HIV (PLHIV) often face nutritional deficiencies resulting from reduced food intake, malabsorption, and increased metabolic demands. Adequate nutrition is essential for optimizing antiretroviral (ARV) drug absorption, reducing treatment side effects, managing HIV-related malnutrition, and supporting immune recovery. In 2012, the Khomas Regional Council introduced a food support program for PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, its impact has not been systematically evaluated. This study aims to explore key informants' perspectives on the program's impact on the well-being of PLHIV receiving ART in the Khomas Region, Windhoek, Namibia. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Sixteen purposively selected key informants from eight constituencies in the Khomas Region participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews. Data collection occurred in two phases: June-August 2024 (<i>n</i>&#x2009;=&#x2009;8) and October 2025 (<i>n</i>&#x2009;=&#x2009;8). Interviews followed a guiding framework with probing questions, and data saturation determined sample adequacy. Ethical procedures, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of participants' rights, were rigorously upheld. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Positive impacts of the food support program, including noticeable weight gain among beneficiaries, improved ART adherence, reduced ART dropout rates, and increased confidence among PLHIV; (2) challenges affecting the program implementation, which included insufficient food supplies, limited funding resources, migration of beneficiaries, lack of transport for field workers, and persistent self-stigma among PLHIV; and (3) Strategies for strengthening the program, such as increasing the quantity of food provided, ensuring consistent and frequent food distribution, promoting income-generating activities, updating the beneficiary database, and intensifying efforts to address HIV-related stigma. Despite challenges, the food support program positively influenced the health and well-being of PLHIV. Strengthened collaboration between the Khomas Regional Council and ART clinics as well as awareness campaigns are recommended to broaden the program's reach.