HIV with Dr Watiti

Mar 06, 2011

YOUR question raises a number of issues, especially the importance of disclosure and how it affects adherence to ARVs for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Dear Doctor,
I was recently put on ARVs, given a supply for two weeks and told to go back for a refill and check-up before they ran out. However, I became very ill and became unconscious. My brother, who does not know I have HIV, took me to the village. So I failed to go back for review until after one month. On going back to the clinic, the doctor refused to give me the drugs saying I am not regular and the drugs will not work for me. What should I do now? Will I need to be on second line drugs when I re-start? Please advise as I am so stressed.
Aidah

Dear Aidah,
YOUR question raises a number of issues, especially the importance of disclosure and how it affects adherence to ARVs for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

If you had been open with your brother and had told him you had HIV and had been started on ARVs, he most likely would have taken you back to your doctor for review when you became very sick instead of taking you to the village.

We encourage all PLHIV who start taking ARVs to disclose their status to significant members of their family in order to get support when needed.
Many HIV/AIDS treatment centres now advise PLHIV who start taking ARVs to have a drug buddy or treatment supporter who can help remind them, especially concerning appointments and to adhere to the drugs.

Treatment supporters usually undergo adherence counselling with the person they are to support during one of the sessions so that they understand their roles.

If this had been done, you would not have missed your appointment to have your drugs refilled, which has made your doctor doubt your commitment to taking ARVs.

You do not need to start taking second line drugs when you re-start, but you should receive counselling and guidance concerning disclosing your HIV status to your brother.

You could even request him to be your treatment supporter and can go with him to your doctor who will surely see your commitment to adhere to ARVs and re-start you on the drugs.

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