WHO Calls for Early Treatment for All HIV Patients

According to the release, expanding ART access is at the core of a new set of targets for 2020 with the aim to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Sidibe said that UNAIDS estimates suggest that expanding ART to those having HIV and expanding prevention choices could assist in averting 21 million deaths and 28 million new infections related to AIDS by 2030.

“The new guideline stresses that in order to effectively implement the recommendations, countries will need to ensure that testing and treatment for HIV infection are readily available”, the World Health Organization added in its statement.

The World Health Organisation has upped its backing for drugs that can prevent HIV infection – recommending them for all at-risk groups.

This is determined by measuring CD4+ levels – the lymphocyte cells in the blood that are vital for fighting infections. Among those with CD4 of more than 350, treatment is deferred for asymptomatic persons. Similarly, those who ingest or inhale drugs such as alcohol, cocaine and methamphetamine, are at an increased risk for contracting HIV because their inhibitions are reduced, making them more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. As the New York Times points out, though, of the 37 million infected, only about 14 million are receiving treatment. The medicines are typically given in a drug cocktail containing three drugs to avoid risk of the virus developing a resistance.

Major suppliers of HIV drugs include Gilead Sciences (GILD.O), ViiV Healthcare, which is majority-owned by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L), and multiple Indian generic manufacturers. This included data from the worldwide randomized clinical trials Temprano and START (Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment), which found compelling evidence of the benefits of immediately starting antiretroviral therapy. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have applauded WHO’s move toward treatment for everyone living with HIV, but warned that turning this new recommendation into reality would require dramatically increased support from donors and governments. UNAIDS estimated that 15 million people were on treatment as of March 2015, representing 41 percent of adults and 32 percent of children living with HIV. The World Health Organization famous where the tweak was designed following “further a history of the quality and acceptability” of pre-exposure prophylaxis for being measure of prevention. The drugs used in the treatment of HIV have improved in recent years and now have fewer side effects.