Exploring underpinnings weighing down the phenomenon of adherence to anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) among the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in South Africa and Botswana: A literature review

5^th International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs and STIs

November 13-14, 2017 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Simon Murote Kang�ethe

University of Fort Hare, South Africa

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

It is critical that People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in African countries hard-hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic such as Botswana and South Africa be the cornerstone of a successful HIV/AIDS campaign by taking responsibility and accountability of taking the ARVs according to the drug regimen. Anti-retrovirals (ARVs) are very expensive and drains national coffers immensely that translates to a heavy burden on the tax payers. The aim of this paper is, through a review of literature methodology, to debate and discuss a few underpinnings behind the PLWHA defaulting their drug regimen. The following environment promotes defaulting: Poverty and its ramifications such as lack of food; excessive intake of alcohol; capacity of the ARVs to deform body structure; use of both biomedical concoctions and those of traditional healers in tandem; sexual libido emanating to the use of ARVs; and stigma associated with taking ARVs. The paper recommends: Strong awareness to strengthen PLWHA ownership of the campaign; immense community support of the PLWHA and the campaign generally; and further research on how to reduce food appetite and sexual libido.

Biography :

Simon Murote Kang’ethe is currently working as a Professor at University of Fort Hare, South Africa.