Introduction
Where antiretroviral therapy (ARV) is available and accessible it has dramatically reduced HIV and AIDS related morbidity and mortality. ARV not only improves the quality of life for people living with HIV and AIDS but also has the potential to significantly reduce health care costs associated with caring for people living with HIV and AIDS and treating opportunistic infections.
The WHO estimates that of the 38 million people now living with HIV and AIDS in developing countries, between 5 and 6 million in the advanced stages of the disease urgently need ARV. However, only about 300 000 currently have access to it. This guide provides summaries and research on the key issues related to ARVs including accessibility to affordable treatment and how best to provide ARV through the public health sector. The guide also raises questions concerning the limits of success of ARVs in controlling the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
The WHO estimates that of the 38 million people now living with HIV and AIDS in developing countries, between 5 and 6 million in the advanced stages of the disease urgently need ARV. However, only about 300 000 currently have access to it. This guide provides summaries and research on the key issues related to ARVs including accessibility to affordable treatment and how best to provide ARV through the public health sector. The guide also raises questions concerning the limits of success of ARVs in controlling the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
