HIV and AIDS recommended readings
Antiretroviral treatment in developing countries: the peril of neglecting private providers
Increased access to antiretrovirals is vital for developing countries, but treatment needs to be controlled
Authors:
R. Brugha
Publisher:
British Medical Journal , 2003
New initiatives and global partnerships are trying to increase access to antiretroviral drugs. However, these initiatives largely ignore the fact that most poor people who suspect they have a sexually transmitted infection seek care in the private sector. The main care providers for HIV disease in the poorest countries are therefore likely to be private medical practitioners, pharmacists, and traditional and informal providers, such as drug vendors, who are often unregulated and dispense drugs illegally.
This article, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), argues that improper use of antiretroviral drugs may result in development of resistant HIV, and that therefore it is important to take account of private providers and regulate their behaviour. It discusses the dangers of unregulated prescribing, working with the private sector, creating policies for treatment and cooperation. The article concludes that accelerated HIV resistance due to widespread uncontrolled use in the private sector will threaten populations in poor and wealthy countries alike. [adapted from author]
