Antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: adherence lessons from tuberculosis and leprosy
Reid, S.E.; Reid, C.A.; Vermund, S.H.
International Journal of Std and Aids 15(11): 713-716
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0956-4624 PMID: 15537453 DOI: 10.1258/0956462042395195Document Number: 237799
Declining drug costs and increases in international donor interest are leading to greater availability of antiretroviral treatment programmes for persons living with the human immunodeficiency virus in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Ensuring adequate adherence to antiretroviral drug therapy is one of the principal challenges facing successful implementation in Africa, where 70% of the world's infected persons live. Tuberculosis and leprosy are two diseases of global importance whose control programmes can provide important lessons for developing antiretroviral drug adherence strategies. This paper examines various approaches used in tuberculosis and leprosy control which could help enhance adherence to antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings.