AEGiS-13IAC: Treatment access and adherence to antiretrovirals (ARV) in HIV infected ugandans.

13th International AIDS Conference

Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

Treatment access and adherence to antiretrovirals (ARV) in HIV infected ugandans.

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. TuOrB420)

Mulindwa M, Kiyimba W, Wanyana S, Kondee Pool C, Byamukama A, Mugisha E, Kityo C
M. Mulindwa, Joint Clinical Research Centre, P. O. Box 10005, Kampala, Uganda, Tel.: +256-41-270622, Fax: +256-41-342632, E-mail: JCRC@STARCOM.CO.UG

BACKGROUND: In Uganda, out of approximately 2 million people infected with HIV, 850 of these are registered as taking ARV therapy. Of the 850 individuals, 550 of them are registered at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC). JCRC is one of the facilities selected by UNAIDS to carry out the recently launched drug access initiative with the aim of making a variety of anti-retrovirals available to patients. As part of this, Patients are regularly counseled and educated about adherence to drug regimen in order to decrease the chance of developing resistance to ARV therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ability to access HIV treatment in-patients with HIV/AIDS and adherence in patients in Uganda and in JCRC in particular.

METHODS: A retrospective review of all clinical and pharmacy records for patients on anti-retroviral therapy since 1996 was performed

RESULTS: Majority of patients registered on HAART were from urban areas, and mostly businessmen and male Government employees, therefore able to afford the drugs. A few are supported by their relatives. About 300 continued with regular treatment while others dropped out, mainly because of the high cost of drugs. Some stop therapy when they feel better. The number of registered male patients is higher at 55%. Children only 2% on ARV.

CONCLUSIONS: Majority of Ugandans have limited access to health facilities with proper care and treatment of people with HIV/AIDS. This is due to lack of knowledge because most centers are in urban settings. A large number of people get stigmatized when they associate with HIV/AIDS centres. Recommendations: Health education and treatment programs should be extended to rural areas for the benefit of persons living in those areas. Medical personnel should be trained to carry out health education and training at the grassroots level. Developed countries and pharmaceutical industries should assist developing countries to manufacture affordable drugs for HIV/AIDS treatment.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, Developing Countries, Health Education, Health Personnel, Retrospective Studies, Uganda, Child, Male, Human, therapy, drug therapy
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TuOrB420