Advancing HIV Care: Role of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)

Why in the News?

Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) remains crucial in HIV management, reducing viral load and preventing transmission. Recent medical advancements have improved ART effectiveness, enhancing patient outcomes. Global health initiatives continue to promote ART accessibility to control the HIV epidemic.

Advancing HIV Care: Role of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)

What is Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)?

  • ART is a combination of medications used to manage HIV.
  • HIV weakens the immune system by destroying CD4 (helper T) cells, making the body prone to severe infections.
  • While ART does not cure HIV, it helps control the virus and supports immune recovery.

How ART Works?

  • ART reduces the viral load, preventing the virus from multiplying and spreading.
  • It allows CD4 cells to regenerate, strengthening the immune system.
  • Patients take a combination of two to four drugs to prevent resistance and maintain treatment effectiveness.
  • The goal is to achieve an undetectable viral load, reducing transmission risks.

Significance of ART

  • ART blocks HIV from entering and replicating in human cells.
  • Since HIV is a retrovirus, it reverses normal genetic flow; ART interrupts this process.
  • Consistent adherence to ART improves life expectancy and lowers the risk of HIV transmission.

HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) – Key Points

  • HIV attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells, weakening the body’s defense against infections.
  • If untreated, it progresses to AIDS, the final stage of HIV, where the immune system is severely compromised.
  • HIV spreads through infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and shared needles.

key facts: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

  • ART is a combination of drugs that suppress HIV replication, reducing viral load and preserving immune function.
  • Drug classes include NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs, INSTIs, and Entry Inhibitors.
  • ART prevents disease progression, improves quality of life, and reduces HIV transmission.

Evolution and Effectiveness of ART:

  • ART was initially expensive and inaccessible; global efforts like The Global Fund (2002) improved accessibility.
  • India started free ART for adults (2004) and children (2006); now, ~1.8 million PLHIV receive free ART.
  • HIV prevalence in India (15-49 years) reduced to 0.20% (2023), with ART playing a critical role in controlling the epidemic.