ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY FOR HIV INFECTION

The estimated number of PLWHA worldwide in 2007 (UNAIDS/WHO) was 33.2 million and of these more than 68% are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Globally over 5700 persons die from AIDS daily due to inadequate access to treatment services. The objective of this book in tandem with WHO?s public health approach to anti-retroviral therapy is to promote safe effective quality and rational use of antiretroviral drugs. This book articulates standard regimens for use of antiretroviral therapy for adults and adolescents; women of child-bearing potential or who are pregnant;infants and children; eligibility criteria as well as standards for monitoring and managing patients.The contents include: when to start ART; ARV regimens to start with; reasons for changing ART;regimens to use when changed due to toxicity pregnancyco-morbidities or regimen failure.It addresses ART-relevant cross cutting issues:ARV drug resistance and adherence;Cotrimoxazole and Post-exposure prophylaxis. The book targets HIV doctors clinical officers nurseslaboratory staffnutritionistscounsellors and other health workers providing care PLWHA primarily in resource-limited settings.