HIV exposed children, regardless of their HIV status are at greater risk of malnutrition and consequently, to an extent, slower motor and cognitive development than their HIV unexposed counterparts. KokoPlus, a complementary food supplement was formulated by using linear programming methodology to improve the protein quality as well as the micronutrient and macronutrient content of commonly consumed traditional complementary (baby) foods in Ghana.

The general aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of KOKOPlus over a period of 6 months to improve nutritional status and child development in HIV exposed children 6-18 months of age in Accra.  We are in the process of enrolling six hundred and forty-nine mother infant dyads from health facilities within Greater Accra Region. Mothers recruited at each facility are randomized to the intervention or control arms of the study and followed up for the whole 6 month-duration of the intervention.

We are collecting sociodemographic data for all participants at the beginning of the study. During follow up, data to be collected will include monthly length/height and body weight measurements and assessment of child developmental goals. There are three hemoglobin and dietary measurements at baseline, at 3 months (midline) and at 6 months (endline) and bi-monthly monitoring of the use of the supplement and the child’s morbidity.