AEGiS-14IAC: Towards replicable and scalable AIDS treatment models for resource-constrained settings.

14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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Towards replicable and scalable AIDS treatment models for resource-constrained settings.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F12305)

Opul D, Chang HE, Bukare BO, Opio A, Masters H, Weinstein M
Uganda Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (UBC), Kampala, Uganda

ISSUES: The ever-increasing numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS in the worst hit regions of the world calls for broader and bolder responses to the epidemic. The traditional imbalance of stronger investment towards prevention with limited consideration for treatment seem indefensible in the face of growing AIDS crisis in Africa. To date, pilot programs developed to offer antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to AIDS patients in Africa have been conservative and more inclined to support people in urban settings. Limited effort has been placed in treatment programs targeting socio-economically disadvantaged (SED) people who bear the greatest effect of the epidemic in Africa. It is essential that appropriate treatment models be developed to better understand the dynamics and challenges of improving access to ARV therapy in the resource-constrained setting (RCS).

DESCRIPTION: UGANDA CARES is a novel multi-sectoral initiative that focuses on developing model AIDS treatment centers in RCS with the aim of improving access to comprehensive care and support for the SED persons living with AIDS. The initiative focuses on community involvement in AIDS management issues, treatment model development, logistical requirements, training and treatment support services. The presentation is based on the experience and expertise of the UGANDA CARES partners, namely UBC, AHF GI (USA) and the Uganda Ministry of Health.

ISSUES: Establishing a transparent and active team with involvement of the government officials is vital for accelerated development of AIDS treatment models in RCS in Africa. Pragmatic leadership drive is best derived from flexible and semi-autonomous non-governmental organizations. RECOMMENDATION: Major international and national stakeholders should commit appropriate financial investment towards the development of replicable and scalable AIDS treatment models for RCS.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Health Resources, HIV Infections, Disease Outbreaks, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, Africa, Uganda, Human, therapy, drug therapyKWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,healthresources,hivinfections,diseaseoutbreaks,antiretroviraltherapy,highlyactive,africa,uganda,human,therapy,drugtherapy

020707
F12305

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.