July 22, 2008

New Praise—and Criticism—for Antiretroviral Therapy

A new report by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) says that while antiretrovirals (ARVs) are extending lives in Africa, hunger and poverty remain life-threatening problems for HIV-positive people, IRIN/PlusNews reports (Plusnews.org, 7/18).

“The long-term sustainability of people on [ARV therapy] and the [treatment] programs are threatened by the continuing lack of food and economic independence,” said CAFOD, a U.K.-based NGO, in a statement.

ARVs had a significant impact on patients whose expectations had changed from “preparing for death” to looking for ways to sustain themselves and their families in the future.

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