November 7, 2007

Second-Line ART for Indian AIDS Activists

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has announced that it is increasing its efforts to provide second-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) to Indian AIDS activists whose first-line regimens have failed them (prnewswire.com/AHF, 11/6).

AHF/India Cares operates free treatment clinics in the country, providing care and services to more than 5,000 patients. It has provided free second-line treatment to activists and clients since March of this year; on November 6, the organization increased this support to include an additional 30 patients.

AHF is encouraging India’s National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), which currently provides more than 100,000 HIV-positive people in the country with first-line ART, to offer people who need it access to second-line treatment.

”AIDS Healthcare Foundation stands in solidarity with the advocates and people of India in urging NACO to launch the provision of second-line therapies immediately,” said Terri Ford, AHF’s director of global advocacy. “In our own clinic in New Delhi, we are trying to save the lives of activists in need of these medications so that they can remain healthy and continue their courageous fight for treatment for all.”