Asian Scientist (Aug. 1, 2013) – Despite years of scientific advances in HIV treatment and prevention, more than two million people are newly diagnosed with HIV annually, demonstrating how community-driven approaches to prevention are still needed to curb the epidemic, experts say.
For years evidence has mounted that anti-retroviral therapy (ART) – virus-suppressing drug combinations that are the primary treatment for HIV – can also be used effectively in prevention.
However due to the complications associated with ART procurement, distribution, uptake, adherence, and potential behavior change in patients (some studies have linked increased risk-taking behaviors in HIV patients post-treatment), a fresh local approach to implementing ART-based prevention programs is needed, new research argues.
IRIN News
Asian Scientist
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