Managing HIV therapy literacy in resource-limited settings

Abstract

A program of antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll-out is currently undergoing expansion in India and it is critical to ensure policy makers’ support, sustained commitment to funding and existence of ART literacy even in dispensaries at sub-district levels. There are challenges in ensuring adequate treatment coverage and high levels of adherence. The effectiveness of ART would increase through periodic specialized ART-related training of practitioners of modern and indigenous medicine working in both private and public sectors in India. Treatment literacy among healthcare providers should aim at providing them with basic information regarding ART, how antiretroviral drugs act and why they fail. Investment should be made in the research and development sector towards studying indigenous treatments, drug resistance patterns and unconventional approaches to treatment. Demystification of HIV by clarifying the knowledge gaps and creating awareness through celebrities, iconic individuals and opinion leaders may sig...