More than four million people on HIV/AIDS treatment in low income countries
Oct 13, 2009
More than four million people in low and middle-income countries were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the close of 2008, representing a 36% increase in one year and a ten-fold increase over five years, according to a new report released on Septe
More than four million people in low and middle-income countries were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the close of 2008, representing a 36% increase in one year and a ten-fold increase over five years, according to a new report released on September 30 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and UNAIDS.
Though there is progress in the global HIV/AIDS response, WHO director-general Margaret Chan believes there is need to do more. At least five million people living with HIV do not have access to life-prolonging treatment and care.
Access to antiretroviral therapy continues to expand at a rapid rate. Of the estimated 9.5 million people in need of treatment in 2008 in low and middle-income countries, 42% had access, up from 33% in 2007.
Prices of the most commonly used antiretroviral drugs have declined significantly in recent years, contributing to wider availability of treatment.
The cost of most first-line regimens decreased by 10-40% between 2006 and 2008. However, second-line regimens continue to be expensive. Access to treatment services is falling far short of need and the global economic crisis has raised concerns about their sustainability.
Though there is progress in the global HIV/AIDS response, WHO director-general Margaret Chan believes there is need to do more. At least five million people living with HIV do not have access to life-prolonging treatment and care.
Access to antiretroviral therapy continues to expand at a rapid rate. Of the estimated 9.5 million people in need of treatment in 2008 in low and middle-income countries, 42% had access, up from 33% in 2007.
Prices of the most commonly used antiretroviral drugs have declined significantly in recent years, contributing to wider availability of treatment.
The cost of most first-line regimens decreased by 10-40% between 2006 and 2008. However, second-line regimens continue to be expensive. Access to treatment services is falling far short of need and the global economic crisis has raised concerns about their sustainability.