title: Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in children using antiretroviral drugs.
abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is having a devastating impact on African men, women and children. Antiretroviral treatment of children has lagged behind that of adults in Africa and globally. Fortunately, several national and international initiatives are helping to catalyze access of HIV-infected children to treatment. In general, the principles of antiretroviral treatment are the same for resource-rich and resource-poor settings. However, the more rapid progression of HIV disease often observed among children in Africa and some other resource-poor settings may argue for a more aggressive approach to initiation of treatment. In addition, numerous barriers to treatment of HIV-infected children in Africa and other resource-poor settings exist and must be overcome, including the expense of antiretroviral medications, lack of pediatric drug formulations, and poor human capacity and infrastructure for treatment administration. The 2.2 million African children currently living with HIV/AIDS, and many more living in poor countries on other continents, are dependent on all of us to work creatively to overcome barriers to the large-scale implementation of programs for health-restoring, life-prolonging antiretroviral treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA. Ganabwani@Baylorbotswana.org.bw
authors.forename: Gabriel Misango
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Anabwani
authors.forename: Elias Abebe
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Woldetsadik
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Kline
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003906:Developing Countries; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D000077560:Enfuvirtide; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023581:HIV Fusion Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019429:Integrase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028761:Withholding Treatment
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41; D023581:HIV Fusion Inhibitors; D019429:Integrase Inhibitors; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D000077560:Enfuvirtide