AIDS Treatment and Care When There Are No Silver Bullets

Not everyone living with AIDS has access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. In fact, most people don't. Which is extremely sad since ARV therapy has evolved significantly in the past decade. While studies vary, many indicate that people on ARVs living healthy lifestyles can live close to a normal lifespan.

But ARV's aren't cheap, and access in the developing world is limited. Without a consistent supply, going on the drugs is actually harmful. If ARV's aren't available, what else can be done?

A lot actually. ARV's aren't very effective without good health practices or treatment for basic infections. Good hygiene and sanitation go a long way to keeping immune systems strong. And you shouldn't be surprisedto hear us say, clean water is a foundation for any health intervention.

Treatment for infections like typhoid, giardia, malaria, and TB also have a huge impact in viral loads of people living with AIDS. As opportunistic infections decreases the immune system, the AIDS virus is given a foothold, speeding it's ability to further suppress the immune system. By treating disease quickly and effectively, people living with AIDS are able to live longer, healthier lives.

Preventing disease in the first place however, requires good nutrition. Good nutrition is critical to good health. Without proper vitamins, minerals and sufficient calories, the body weakens and becomes increasingly susceptible to infection. Programs that educate on healthy diets, work to improve family farming, and provide access to nutritional supplements have a huge impact on the health of people living with AIDS. Highly nutritional plants, such as chaya, moringa, and spirulina can be used as natural dietary supplements and are easily cultivated by local farmers either for family use or as a micro business.

Even basic medications like de-worming medicine also have a huge impact. Parasites like tape worm and round worm can consume up to 30% of the nutrients consumed by the host, increasing risk of malnutrition and disease. A simple pill every 3 months is all that is needed to kill the most common parasites.

These certainly aren't silver bullets. And frankly, there isn't one. But these simple interventions can have a huge impact on a person living with AIDS. That impact can bring hope and dignity. It can change stigma in a community. It can give parents time to watch their children grow up. It can give children freedom to dream about the future. It can give people a voice where before there was only silence.

That's a lot of impact.

~ Barak Bruerd, Africa Programs Director