DUSHANBE, September 5, Asia-Plus — Tajikistan has introduced antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection.
According to information from the Ministry of Health (MoH), the antiretroviral therapy has to date targeted more than 60 HIV-infected in the country. Treatment by this method is provided free of charge, according to the source.
Deputy Health Minister, Ziyovuddin Afghonov, notes that the event is being held within the framework of the implementation of project sponsored by a grant awarded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS/HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
“An enough amount of preparations from international producers for supporting HIV sufferers has been delivered to Tajikistan to date,” the Republican AIDS-Prevention Center head Azamjon Mirzoyev said.
According to information from the AIDS Center, 544 HIV sufferers have to date been officially registered in Tajikistan. “The data will be updated in the second half of September, when epidemiological survey will conclude and data for the last three months will be available,” Mr. Mirzoyev said.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has made a dramatic impact on the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS by decreasing the associated morbidity and mortality. ART should be a part of a program of comprehensive care and support. Including these drugs as part of HIV clinical care makes HIV infection a more manageable, chronic illness. People living with HIV/AIDS benefit by having restored health, economic productivity and social functioning. In communities in resource-constrained countries, providing ART demonstrates respect for people living with HIV/AIDS, and has the potential to decrease stigma and boost prevention efforts.
Today fewer than one percent of people living with HIV/AIDS in the most affected areas of the world have access to antiretroviral drugs. It is now a challenge to continue to advocate for decreased prices of these drugs and increased health service capacity to optimize their sustained, safe and effective use.
