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13th International AIDS ConferenceDurban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000 |
Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:21 (abstract no.. LbOr19)
Reeler A
Axios International, Dublin, Ireland. Fax: +353 1 820 8404, E-mail: reelera@axiosint.com.
ISSUES: An independent evaluation of a program on access to anti-retroviral (ARVs) in Morocco has been carried out. The program is supported by the International Solidarity and Therapeutic Fund (FSTI) and the evaluation was supported by UNAIDS. The results of the evaluation are being finalized and discussed with interested parties at National and International levels including the ?Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Casablanca? (CHUC) and FSTI in order to define optimal strategies for expansion at the National and Regional level.
DESCRIPTION: Since 1986, 500 HIV positive patients have been followed in the CHUC and less than 40 had received ARVs. In 1998, a National Plan to regulate and expand access to ARVs has been designed, and in 1999 FSTI has provided technical and financial support to allow 63 additional patients to access ARVs. As of May 2000 57 patients had commenced treatment, mainly in the CHUC. Psychosocial support is provided by an NGO; ?Association de Lutte Contre le SI? (ALCS). Issues highlighted in the evaluation of ARV treatment in Morocco were: Political decision making process; Role of CHUC in the referral system for HIV patients; HIV patients management in CHUC and other cities; Psychosocial support in CHUC; Sustainability of the program. The indicators used were respectively: Who made the decision, when, how and why; Referral procedures, number of patients referred and timing; Rational prescribing, monitoring and counseling. Adherence & Logistics; Role of social workers and NGOs; Influence of FSTI funding on future funing plans.
CONCLUSION: Lessons learned from the Moroccan model may have relevance in other developing countries with low HIV prevalence, middle income and good political will.
Copyright © 2000 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.
