[Poor access to antiretroviral treatment in French-speaking Africa: situation in 2004].
A survey by questionnaire and interview was carried out with persons in charge of purchasing central structures and AIDS control programs in 18 French-speaking African countries between June and October 2004. Survey data showed that a total of 3300 patients received antiretroviral (ARV) treatment during the study period. This corresponds to a treatment rate of 0.1 to 9.6% of the number of patients requiring ARV treatment. All countries reported interruptions of the ARV supply for a variety of reasons. The main causes were budgetary issues and procedural complexity involving financial aid. The prices charged to the patients varied greatly in function of national policies. Cost price also varied in function of the negotiating leverage of the purchasing central. Improve general access to ARV treatment and reducing the number of supply shortages will require more training in management and distribution of medicines. It would also be useful to improve communications between the persons in charge of national purchasing structures.
Boisseau
C
C
ReMeD, Paris, France. remed@remed.org
Degui
H
H
Bruneton
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C
Rey
J L
JL
D000352:Africa, Northern; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D005381:Financing, Organized; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents