AEGiS-15IAC: Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in a community based support group for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nepal.

15th International AIDS Conference


Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

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Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in a community based support group for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nepal.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10099)

Shrestha R, Kc M, Rana A, Kc J, Thapa S, Thapa SM, Karki T, Thapa D, Rana B, Pun G
Nava Kiran Plus, Kathmandu, Nepal

ISSUES: WHO/UNAIDS estimates that 60 000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal. Due to poor economic conditions and lack of health care services most of them cannot access ARV therapy. Support groups for PLWHAs can play a vital role in implementing community based ARV treatment programs.

DESCRIPTION: Nava Kiran Plus (NKP) is a community based organization run by People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). We have a residence housing 20 PLWHAs at present. NKP has started a treatment fund. Since April 2003 we started ARV therapy for 4 of our members for the first time in Nepal. We wanted our members to live longer as well as pressure government and other partners to implement treatment projects in their work-plan. All employed NKP members are giving 25% of their salary for Treatment fund. This goes into a bank account. When the members go for CD4 count and their count is less than 200 and with consultation of a doctor they are recommended for ARV therapy if they choose to be on. Lesson Learned: Community based ARV therapy programs are effective. However, the organization should have a good referral system with local doctors and hospitals. The basic principle is to give a choice to PLWHAs who want to go for treatment. Recommendation: Treatment education is very important for PLWHAs and their caregivers. Community based organizations and PLWHA groups can be developed and linked to bigger institution to provide ARV therapy in resource limited settings.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Residence Characteristics, HIV Infections, Health Services, Self-Help Groups, CD4 Lymphocyte Count, Anti-HIV Agents, Organizations, HIV Long-Term Survivors, Housing, Health Planning, Caregivers, Health Services Accessibility, Nepal, United States, therapy

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B10099

Copyright © 2004 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.