AEGiS-14IAC: Do they have the chance to get better without ART?

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Do they have the chance to get better without ART?

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12522)

Wichai C
NGO, Bangkok, Thailand

ISSUES: PLWA with advanced disease (TB, Mycobacterium avium complex, Cryptococcosis, Cytomegalovirus, wasting syndrome etc) have difficulty in accessing antiretroviral treatment (ART) even if they can afford to buy the drugs. Doctors either do not tell them about ART or refuse to prescribe ART because they are too sick.

DESCRIPTION: Medecins Sans Frontieres provides home care for PLWA with advanced disease in Bangkok, Thailand. Many patients are highly dependent and many have lost follow up by their hospital. When they first enroll in our home care project, they all lack correct information about ART. We provide information and some decide to take ART. We refer them to a hospital where we know a doctor will be prepared to prescribe ART and where generic drugs are available at a fair price. They follow up in the hospital and get ART, plus OI treatment and prophylaxis. MSF carries out home visits to support adherence and provide other support.

ISSUES: Most PLWA achieve good adherence to ART and OI treatment and maintain follow up in hospital for monitoring.

RECOMMENDATIONS: All PLWA have the right to correct information about treatment options including ART. Even PLWA with advanced disease can do well on ART. Patients have the right to explore their treatment options rather than merely being told their condition is hopeless.

Keywords: AEGIS, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, Drug Therapy, Combination, Home Care Services, Thailand, Human, therapy, drug therapy

020707
G12522