Warom Felix Okello
10 March 2008
Nebbi — TREATING HIV patients in their own homes and the appropriate use of Anti retroviral drugs (ARVs) have substantially cut the number of deaths from the disease.
The TASO HIV/Aids Focal Person at Nebbi Hospital, Mr Alex Ocan, says use of ARV drugs has cut deaths from the virus by more than 80 per cent. He said out of 826 patients only seven have died between November and February 29.
"Wide provision of antiretroviral treatment and care in the district could have a profound effect on prevention of mortality in people with HIV, improve the health and longevity of their children and reduce the rate of orphan hood," Mr Ochan said on Friday.
As a result of efficiency of the drug, 2240 clients have been enrolled for HIV/Aids care and will later start receiving the drugs. He said the fall in deaths was comparable with studies involving health centers and hospitals in the district per day per patient.
Mr Ocan said use of ARV drugs also slashed the number of deaths of children within the families of those treated, showing that the parents, when well-treated were better able to care for them.
He said through Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMCT) programme, mortality rate has also reduced as they are able to treat themselves at home.
"Getting HIV treatment to people who live in rural areas is difficult and this could have an impact. And if you keep the parents healthy, you also keep their children healthy," Mr Ocan said.
He said nutritional support by WFP was fundamental in attracting more people to carry out tests and access treatment. He hailed WFP for improving the livelihood of the patients.
However, because of the complexity of selecting and following a regimen, the severity of the side effects and the importance of compliance to prevent viral resistance, WHO emphasises the importance of involving patients in therapy choices and recommend analysing the risks and the potential benefits to patients without symptoms.
Mr Benjamin Wanichan, the district HIV/Aids Focal Point Person, said the prevalence rate is still severe in urban centers than rural areas. He said the message is certainly not that the district can stop worrying about Aids but strengthen on preventive measures than curative.
According the 2006 statistics, Jonam County has prevalence rate of 15 per cent, Okoro 13 per cent and Padyere 10 per cent.
"At least two-thirds of patients received better care than can presently be expected in most places of antiretroviral treatment programmes" he said.
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