Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Care and Support in Resource-constrained Settings

Abstract

With the number of people infected with HIV rising globally, care and support for people with AIDS becomes increasingly important. More than 90 per cent of the new HIV infections occur in developing countries, which have limited resources for HIV/ AIDS treatment and care. This paper outlines strategies for provision and access to care in resource-constrained settings within and beyond the health sector. It argues that a comprehensive care and support package along the continuum should include voluntary and confidential counselling and testing, clinical management (including nursing care), psychological and social support. Proposed strategies include the linking of the health sector to community- and home-based care, the reorganisation of service delivery, the integration of prevention of care within national AIDS control programmes, the development of policy and legislation, and the empowerment and facilitation of community acrion.