What is it about?
HIV/AIDS is one of the public health problems of this age. Sub-Saharan Africa appears to be worse hit by this pandemic, where the impact has been quite enormous. It has increased the number terminally ill patients in our homes and hospitals. ARVs otherwise known as anti-HIV agents are drugs that enable sustained inhibition of HIV replication leading to partial reconstitution of immune system in most affected patients, hence reducing the progression of HIV to AIDS-defining illnesses. They are, therefore palliative drugs used to improve the quality of lives of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The aim of this study is to review the benefits of ARVs in Palliative care of PLWHA in developing countries.
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Why is it important?
This study affords the reader the opportunity to know the benefits of ARDs such as: 1. Reduction of HIV replications and their destructive tendencies. 2. Increase in CD4 positive lymphocyte counts of PLWHA. 3. Reduced susceptibility to opportunistic infections. 4. Reduced incidences of HIV-related cancers. 5. Increase average life expectancy of PLWHA via improved QOL.
Perspectives
The benefits of anti-retroviral drug cannot be over-emphasized. It is a good adjuvant to the holistic care of patients with AIDS-defining illnesses especially in Africa. It's discovery has reduced the number of AIDS-related death globally. Although the current ARDs are Palliative drugs,effort must be channeled towards scientific discovery of curative/preventive ARDs. This will be the paradigm in the management of HIV/AIDS.
Dr Ogbonna Collins Nwabuko
Federal Medical Center, Umuahia.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Benefits of Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) In Palliative Care Indeveloping Nations., IOSR Journal of Environmental Science Toxicology and Food Technology, January 2013, IOSR Journals,
DOI: 10.9790/2402-0267274.
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