WHO Recommends New Early HIV Detection Ways. 9/6/10
The World Health Organisation has come up with new ways to enhance early detection of HIV and ensure quick access to anti-retroviral therapy.
9 June 2010
Harare — The World Health Organisation has come up with new ways to enhance early detection of HIV and ensure quick access to anti-retroviral therapy.
WHO team leader for HIV and Aids programmes Dr Bryan Pazvakavambwa said this at a recent stakeholders’ workshop in Harare. He said the new recommendations followed extensive research accumulated over the years.
"The updated recommendations are aimed at promoting earlier diagnosis of HIV and earlier anti-retroviral treatment initiation, use of less toxic and more patient-friendly regimens, and early initiation of prophylaxis or treatment as medically indicated for prevention of mother-to-child transmission," he said.
WHO also revised paediatric HIV care and treatment guidelines.
However, Dr Pazvakavambwa said the new recommendations presented challenges to country interventions.
"As more people will now be eligible for treatment and the role of the laboratory in patient management expanded, the financial implications could be huge for low income countries.
"Early ARV for treatment and PMTCT initiation will prolong the duration of ART use and ensuring adherence may be a challenge.
"Increased ART care and the need for close follow-up with counselling, family and community support for breastfeeding HIV-infected mothers may challenge the health systems," he said.