Counting
out the month's supply of tablets for an Aids patient.
The
Desmond Tutu HIV Centre is involved in a number of treatment programmes where
combination antiretroviral (anti-HIV) treatment is distributed with an emphasis
on family care. HIV often exists in families and households and it is important
that care is provided in a comprehensive and consistent way to all members of
the family.
Usapho
Lwethu - the Family Treatment Programme – has already made enormous
differences to individuals in communities: without it, half the patients joining
the programme would be dead in a year, but now the vast majority are returning
to their normal lives. What's more, quality of life has been substantially improved
in these patients.
Our programme succeeds in poor communities where people struggle with many social
difficulties – yet the adherence to treatment in these patients exceeds
developing world standards, with well over 90% of all doses taken and almost
all patients still on treatment.
Pregnant mothers who start treatment have a much reduced risk of infecting their
babies, and more children’s lives are being prolonged. Mothers are living
to safeguard their children and see them grow, and men can return to earning
livelihoods for their families.
