September 21, 2011

Early ARV Treatment Is Cost-Effective in Poor Countries

New research shows that early antiretroviral (ARV) therapy is cost-effective in resource-poor countries like Haiti, according to a statement from Weill Cornell Medical College, which led the research. In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) altered its guidelines to recommend starting ARVs when CD4 cell counts fell below 350; previous guidelines suggested waiting till 200. The updated recommendation places more people on meds. Many donors and governments have hesitated following the guidelines because of budget and logistical challenges. The study was conducted by Weill Cornell Medical College, Groupe Haitien d’Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Study results were published in PLoS Medicine.

To read the Weill Cornell statement, click here.

Search: World Health Organization, Weill Cornell Medical College, Haiti, cost-effective, resource-poor countries, Groupe Haitien d’Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes, GHESKIO, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, ART, early ART

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