Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Malnutrition is one of the complications of HIV infection and may lead to the development of opportunistic infections and death. Evaluation and enhancement of patients’ nutritional status may help correct deficiencies and help in the treatment of HIV.   Keywords: HIV, Malnutrition, Antiretroviral DrugThis study assessed the nutritional status of newly diagnosed HIV patients prior to antiretroviral drug treatment at a tertiary hospital from March 2024 to December 2024.This is a prospective descriptive study which included newly diagnosed HIV patients without prior antiretroviral drug therapy enrolled in the outpatient department, males and females aged 19 to 59 years old with no known comorbidities. Anthropometric data were collected using Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid-upper-arm Muscle Area (MAMA) and Skinfold Thickness (SFT). Nutritional risk was determined using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), and dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour Food Recall with the Food Exchange List as guide. Purposive sampling method was used. Sample size was computed using Raosoft sample size calculator with 95% confidence interval and margin of error of 5%. A z-test was performed to determine if the sample population (N=80, using a population size of 100) is meeting the energy requirements and if it meets the national reference standards.The highest mean score was observed in the 24-hour Food Intake, indicating that energy intake was relatively higher than the other metrics. In contrast, the lowest mean was found in Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 suggesting that most respondents were not at immediate risk of malnutrition according to clinical criteria.Assessment of nutritional status through standardized tools showed majority of patients were classified as low risk according to Nutritional Risk Screening 2002. A considerable proportion exhibited undernutrition based on BMI and Triceps Skinfold measurements.There is an urgent need for early nutritional assessment and intervention among HIV patients, even before ART initiation, as undernutrition could compromise immune function and treatment outcomes. Future programs should consider targeted nutritional support alongside antiretroviral therapy to improve patient prognosis and quality of life.