An HIV-positive mom and her baby await consultation from a doctor in one of HTH’s clinics in northern Togo.
Following several clinical trials that illustrated the impressive benefits of early treatment for HIV, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that it will recommend antiretroviral therapy for newly HIV-positive patients immediately after they are diagnosed. The WHO plans to update its official guidelines in December. Currently, the organization only recommends immediately antiretroviral drugs be administered to “young children, pregnant women, and people with other infections such as tuberculosis.” However, under these more inclusive guidelines, the number of people eligible for antiretroviral drugs would increase from 30 million to 36.9 million.
One trial involving antiretroviral therapy conducted by the WHO showed a 93% decreased risk of HIV transmission over a four-year period. A second trial conducted in May demonstrated a 57% decrease in the risk of serious illness or death in HIV-positive patients. This data overwhelmingly implies the double benefits of early treatment: preventing transmission of the virus and improving each HIV patient’s overall health.
Hope Through Health understands the importance of early treatment and the idea of “treatment as prevention.” Through our prevention of mother-to-child transmission(PMTCT) of HIV program, we’ve observed a 100% non-infection rate among babies born to mothers with HIV. That means 100% of these babies can live healthy, happy lives regardless of their birthplace. Join Hope Through Health in our mission to provide access to preventative healthcare services to everyone in Togo.
Read more on the WHO’s announcement here.