Testing but not treating: missed opportunities and lost lives in the South African ART programme
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2010
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AIDS
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Recently published WHO guidance recommends starting ART in HIV-infected adults with CD4 counts of ≤350 cells/μl [1]. There is mounting evidence that such a policy will lead to lower mortality among HIV-infected individuals [2]. Also modeling data suggests that expanded testing and earlier treatment will reduce HIV transmission [3]. In South Africa ART coverage is not meeting current needs, even using the CD4 count criteria of <200 cells/μl, and mortality early in ART programmes is high due to advanced immunosuppression at initiation [4]. Fortunately, following limited government leadership around HIV in the past, South African President Jacob Zuma has encouraged widespread HIV testing, and announced that he will undertake an HIV test [5].
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Jarvis, J. N., Meintjes, G., Wood, R., & Harrison, T. S. (2010). Testing but not treating: missed opportunities and lost lives in the South African ART programme. AIDS (London, England), 24(8), 1233.