Improved Quality of Life for
PLWHA
The availability of antiretroviral
drugs is paramount in providing a better quality
of life for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
However it is estimated that only 400 persons have
access to theses drugs, most of which are sought
in the private sector. Fear of being ostracized,
shame and rejection causes many infected persons
not to seek help until they are in an advanced stage
of the disease. As a result 12-13 persons died of
AIDS every week in 2003.
In addition the average length of
hospital stay for an HIV or AIDS patient is 13 days.
Both these factors may be significantly reduced
with improvements in treatment and care. In order
to achieve this The Ministry of Health through the
National HIV/STI Control programme is committed
to increasing availability and affordability of
antiretroviral drugs.
Under this commitment 1000 persons
diagnosed with HIV will receive treatment each year
for the next five years. According to Dr Kevin Harvey,
Coordinator of treatment, care and support for (PLWHA),
says the treatment will bring significant improvements
in the quality of life and life expectancy of PLWHA.
"Patients will see symptoms clearing up; they
will regain weight and live longer. Some patients
that have already been diagnosed with AIDS may also
revert to HIV status."
The expected demand will be met by
integrating HIV/AIDS case management in existing
health care structures as well as the establishment
of 14 new specialized treatment centres. These treatment
centres will provide access to a national basic
standard of care including screening and diagnostic
services, counselling, psychological and social
support, provision of specialized clinical care
and improved access to antiretroviral medications.
PLWHAs undergoing ARV therapy will
be better to equipped to live independently and
continue making valuable contributions to the countries
labour force. The only hindrance to this progress
is the prevalence of stigma and discrimination.
Discrimination not only in the workplace but in
the health care sector as well. In order to ensure
that PLWHA continue to lead productive fulfilling
lives, stigma and discrimination must end.
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