Stakeholders in the health sector have hailed a new requirement that compels health institutions to immediately introduce anti-retroviral therapy on any patient who tests HIV-positive. The new findings mean patients now do not have to wait for results of the CD4 count.
Health experts said the move would go a long way in minimizing health complications associated with late treatment.
United States health officials recently said preliminary data of a clinical trial known as Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment (START), had shown that those put on treatment immediately after being tested had a 53% lower chance of dying or having an AIDS-related complication, reports newsday.co.zw.
The United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said starting antiretroviral therapy at a higher CD4 (a measure of immune system health) level would have a positive effect on the health of people living with HIV. “Every person with HIV should have immediate access to life-saving anti-retroviral therapy,” said Michel Sidibé, executive director of UNAIDS.
