Expanding access to antiretroviral drugs
Between 2001 and 2005, the number of people on antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle-income countries increased more than fivefold. However, in 2005 at least 80% of those in need of treatment were still not receiving it. Even though prices for treatment have dropped, not all countries have taken advantage of optimal pricing options. Second-line anti-retroviral drugs — drugs used when the patient becomes resistant to first-line drugs — are still too costly. Further price decline is needed to expand access to treatment.
Universal access to care and treatment
The world is committed to moving towards universal access to care and treatment. To reach this goal, workable strategies are needed such as: increasing knowledge of HIV status, reducing stigma, building human capacity to sustain HIV/AIDS treatment, improving supply management, promoting drug adherence, integrating HIV/AIDS care with other health services and intensifying patient monitoring.
Ensuring equity as access to treatment expands
It is not uncommon that the most vulnerable and poor people have less access to treatment. WHO and UNAIDS have recommended that countries take action to overcome this problem. Recommendations include: establishing an ethics advisory body, entering into public dialogue on equal access to HIV treatment, and developing and enforcing policies and evaluation systems to promote equal chances for treatment.
Expanding access to treatment and access to HIV prevention
The Global HIV Prevention Working Group urges increased access to treatment but at the same time increased access to prevention programmes. Research studies show that combining these two strategies would be the most effective in reducing HIV infection.
