Access to antiretroviral treatment in Latin American countries and the Caribbean.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the access to antiretroviral therapy in the Latin America and Caribbean region and the main issues involved.


METHODS
A review of National AIDS Programmes reports, published studies on HIV access to antiretroviral drugs, and personal communications from National AIDS Programmes in the region.


RESULTS
Most countries have, or are in the process of developing, laws and regulations to ensure better access to antiretroviral drugs for people in need. However, there are still many countries that either have not implemented policies or do not have policies. There has been an important decrease in the cost of drugs, but prices are still too high for all countries to afford them. The benefits in decreased mortality and hospitalizations in the countries with high coverage are significant. The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy has been estimated to be close to 170,000 individuals; however, this figure only represents a fraction of the people in need in the region. Some different strategies will have to be implemented in order to increase coverage.


CONCLUSIONS
Renewed efforts are needed from both governments and international community organizations to strengthen the health services and increase access to antiretroviral drugs.
Chequer
Pedro
P
UNAIDS Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. chequerp@unaids.org
Cuchí
Paloma
P
Mazin
Rafael
R
García Calleja
Jesus M
JM
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017691:Caribbean Region; D016527:Drug Costs; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D006291:Health Policy; D006292:Health Priorities; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007843:Latin America; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents