HIV-infected people in Africa should plan on being around for a long time, according to a new study, which shows patients who take a combination of HIV medications can expect to live a near-normal lifespan.
Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) is the use of more than one HIV medication.
The study suggests that those who undergo cART – even in resource-limited settings – should no longer automatically assume an HIV diagnosis is a death sentence.
Released this week, the findings provide much needed hope for those who suffer from HIV.
It was conducted by the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and the University of British Columbia, in Canada.
Dr. Edward Mills, the study’s principal investigator, says HIV-infected people “should plan and prepare for a long and fulfilling life.”