Outcomes of ART in South Africa Are Similar to Those in Switzerland

New study results should make it clear to any remaining doubters that antiretroviral therapy can be provided successfully in resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa.

Following the great success of potent antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the developed world, strong doubts were voiced about the feasibility of providing similarly effective therapy in resource-limited settings. Provision of access to ART has now been accomplished in these settings, and studies have consistently shown that adherence rates are comparable to those seen in resource-rich areas (AIDS Clin Care Sep 1 2006). Information about both virologic and clinical outcomes is now appearing in the literature (AIDS Clin Care Apr 12 2006). The latest such study compared outcomes between 1016 patients who initiated ART in Switzerland and 2348 who did so through two township programs in South Africa.

Compared with their Swiss counterparts, the South…

Reviewing Author

Gerald H. Friedland, MD

Outcomes of ART in South Africa Are Similar to Those in Switzerland

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Reviewing Author