Regional experience in ARV treatment investment shared

The antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for HIV/AIDS patients has been a focused investment in numerous countries thanks to its efficiency.
The antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for HIV/AIDS patients has been afocused investment in numerous countries thanks to its efficiency.

Statistics showed that in 2010, Thailand provided ARV treatmentfor 70 percent of over 350,000 patients with HIV. A year later, thecountry allocated 330 million USD from its State budget for HIV/AIDSprevention and control, 73 percent of which was spent on ARV medication.

Meanwhile, in 2012, Malaysia enabled 38.5percent of 80,000 HIV carriers to have access to ARV treatment, whichcost 20.4 million USD, mainly sourced from its State budget. Since 2011,assistance from the Global Fund accounted for less than five percent ofthe country’s treatment costs.

Indonesia,whose average per capita income falls below 1,000 USD, much lower thanthat of Vietnam, has provided free check-ups and treatment for HIVcarriers. Since 2005, the country has offered free services throughincreasing allocations from the state budget to meet the demand.

In Vietnam, in 2010-2014, thecost for HIV/AIDS prevention and control was financed mainly byinternational donors, with the biggest ones being the Global Fund andthe US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). TheState budget accounted for about five percent of the total sum.

However, donor funding has been transitioning to other areas in theregion, leaving substantial gaps in intervention programming resources.For 2015, government funded resources have been raised to 85 billion VND(4 million USD), but it remains insufficient to cover the gap left byinternational funding departures.

According tothe World Health Organisation (WHO), the use of ARV therapy,particularly in the early stage of the disease, can lead to substantialreductions in the rates of death and suffering.

ARV treatment has also been proven to reduce the rate of new infectionsto below 2-4 percent while easing the financial burden for familieswith HIV/AIDS patients.

Since 2013, the WHOhas recommended the treatment for preventing HIV infection, particularlyfor pregnant women, young children, and at-risk populations exposed toHIV.

As of September, 2014, Vietnam had 220,000 HIV cases and nearly 70,000 fatalities.-VNA

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