Stronger health systems for more effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
Of the 42 million living with HIV/AIDS world-wide some 90% live in developing countries. The international community acknowledges the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on development and over the past few years resources to control HIV/AIDS have increased considerably. We argue that strengthening of health systems is a necessary prerequisite for improving the prevention of HIV infection and the care of HIV-infected persons. Sexual behaviour change requires a multidisciplinary approach, but health services play a crucial role in detection and treatment of other sexually transmitted infections; HIV counselling and testing; prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; and care of HIV-infected patients. Increasing access to antiretroviral treatment especially poses formidable challenges to health authorities in developing countries. Additional resources for the prevention of HIV-infection and the care of HIV-infected persons may not have the desired impact if health systems in developing countries are not strengthened. Further, any activity in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention and care, carried out within health services, can have a positive ripple effect on other health care activities and vice versa. This interactive effect needs to be acknowledged and built on.
Buvé
Anne
A
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. abuve@itg.be
Kalibala
Sam
S
McIntyre
James
J
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012725:Sexual Behavior
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents