Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian Online - October 17, 2007
High fall-out rate: More than a third of patients on HIV medication in sub-Saharan Africa die or discontinue their treatment within two years of starting it, a survey shows. The study found that many start taking antiretrovirals (ARVs) too late, while for some it is impractical to travel to distant clinics. The American researchers also found evidence that in cases where patients have to pay for ARVs, some stop treatment. The study by the Boston University school of public health looked at ARV programmes for HIV patients in 13 sub-Saharan countries. The researchers say there are many reasons for the drop-out rate. Many patients start taking ARVs too late and die within a few months of starting treatment. Other patients drop out because of problems with accessing the drugs -- they may live some distance, for example, from the clinic that provides the medication. There is also evidence of patients discontinuing treatment because of the cost of the drugs in cases where patients are charged for their ARVs.
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