title: Improving the quality of care for persons with HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa.
abstract: Caring for persons with HIV infection is particularly difficult in resource-poor countries. In order to improve the quality of care we first have to evaluate how such care is presently organized. We need a better assessment of the needs and demands of persons with HIV infection as well as their families. Care for persons with HIV/AIDS should be decentralized and home-based care in a non-stigmatizing way should be promoted. The fight against discrimination of persons with HIV should be intensified. A lot can be achieved by reorganizing and strengthening existing health care systems, by better listening to patients and families and by promoting solidarity among communities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Colebunders
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Decock
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mbeba
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D003906:Developing Countries; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends