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B.C.'s Street-Smart Strategy to Treat HIV - No Matter Who Has It
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Abstract
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| Aboriginal people and drug abusers are among the main targets of a new HIV treatment and prevention program in British Columbia.
Organizers of the four-year, $48 million pilot, “Seek and Treat,” say it will avert as many as 173 cases of HIV infection over five years and help avoid as much as $65 million (US $60.8 million) in treatment costs. Included in the program is a $1.5 million (US $1.4 million) evaluation component funded by pharmaceutical company Merck.
“This effort is about outreach and support, over and above throwing pills to people,” said Julio Montaner, director of the B.C. Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.
The program is designed to bring highly active antiretroviral therapy to traditionally difficult-to-reach groups, such as prostitutes and injection drug users. It will target populations in Prince George and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The initiative will take advantage of new once-a-day treatment regimens.
Since 1999, 350-440 new HIV infections have been reported in the province annually, although approximately 27 percent of British Columbia’s 12,000 HIV-positive residents are unaware of their status. Aboriginal people account for 17 percent of new diagnoses each year, but comprise only 5 percent of British Columbia’s population.
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Source
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| http://www.theglobeandmail.com |
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Subjects
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HIV/AIDS Prevention
HIV/AIDS Treatment or Therapies
Injecting Drug Users
Native Americans
Outreach
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Disclaimer: NPIN provides this information as a public service only. The views and information provided about the materials, news, funding opportunities, organizations, and conferences do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, or NPIN.
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cdcnpin.org News Record #54721
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