Quality of Care and Service Expansion for HIV Care and Treatment

Abstract

The last two decades have seen exceptional development of antiretroviral treatment programs throughout the world. Over 14 million persons are accessing antiretroviral treatment (ART) treatment as of early 2015, and life expectancy has risen markedly in the most-affected populations. However, large patient numbers threaten to overwhelm already over-burdened health care systems and retention in care remains suboptimal. Developing innovative strategies to alleviate these burdens and retain patients in care remains a challenge. Furthermore, despite this expansion, large populations of HIV-infected persons remain undiagnosed and are unwilling or unable to access care and treatment programs. Marginalized and high-risk populations are particularly in danger of remaining outside of care and are also disproportionately affected by HIV. To reverse the trend and "fast track" our way out of the epidemic, ambitious treatment targets are required, and a concerted effort has to be made to engage these populations into care, initiate ART, and attain viral suppression.

Outcomes of HIV treatment from the private sector in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

“…However, there has been uncertainty regarding the quality of ART services offered through new models of treatment provision 14. Although exploration of alternative ART delivery models is a necessity, short-term and long-term patient outcomes should not be compromised 1.…”