The above chart is a bit blurry but it outlines an important change in the treatment for people living with HIV. Prior to January 2008 patients had to have a CD4 count of less and 200 to be eligible for HAART (highly active anti-retroviral treatment also known as ARV's). Now the patient can begin treatment if their CD4 count falls below 250 or has an AIDS definining illness. The chart basically describes that people who fall below 250 will be given prophylaxis to prevent pneumonia, and TB and will also be given multivitamins along with HAART. The patient will also receive patient education, adherence counseling, safe sex information, and family planning information. The patient will also be screened regularly for TB. If the patients CD4 count is above 250 then the patient will receive prophylaxis for TB, receive education on safe sex and family planning and will continue to have the CD4 count monitored. We all think this is good news as the patients immune system doesn't have to be as weak in order to get treatment. 550 people in Nata are alive because of HAART and the other treatments provided to those who are HIV positive. You can only imagine how busy we are at Nata Clinic.
The above chart is a bit blurry but it outlines an important change in the treatment for people living with HIV. Prior to January 2008 patients had to have a CD4 count of less and 200 to be eligible for HAART (highly active anti-retroviral treatment also known as ARV's). Now the patient can begin treatment if their CD4 count falls below 250 or has an AIDS definining illness. The chart basically describes that people who fall below 250 will be given prophylaxis to prevent pneumonia, and TB and will also be given multivitamins along with HAART. The patient will also receive patient education, adherence counseling, safe sex information, and family planning information. The patient will also be screened regularly for TB. If the patients CD4 count is above 250 then the patient will receive prophylaxis for TB, receive education on safe sex and family planning and will continue to have the CD4 count monitored. We all think this is good news as the patients immune system doesn't have to be as weak in order to get treatment. 550 people in Nata are alive because of HAART and the other treatments provided to those who are HIV positive. You can only imagine how busy we are at Nata Clinic.