From access to adherence: the challenges of antiretroviral treatment

Abstract

This report demonstrates that access to antiretrovirals (ARVs) is only one part of the treatment equation. The study presents studies from Botswana, Tanzania and Uganda. It argues that without targeted patient support, patients may not take their medicines regularly or frequently enough (adherence), and lose the therapeutic benefits of treatment. Reasons found for adherence failure include: lack of resources for food to accompany ARVs; alcohol or substance abuse; work-related problems such as not getting time off to go to the clinic or stigma in the workplace; long travel time to clinics and long waits at the end; and stigma and discrimination in the community and at home.