Does anti-retroviral therapy (ART) really keep you alive for longer, and for how long can you expect to live? How much do anti-retrovirals (ARVs) cost a month, and where are they available? Can you get them from a doctor?

John

Dear John,

Thank you for your question. Yes, ART can make you live longer because ARVs delay or slow the virus from attacking the immune system. Therefore, it takes longer before one gets AIDS. A lot of people who are successful on ART have an undetectable viral load. This means that the virus can hardly be detected by a blood test. It means that an HIV-positive person can be as healthy as anyone else. Some people even go ahead and have children, and live very productive and fulfilling lives. However, every case is different. In addition to taking the medication, it is important to live a healthy life and take care of yourself. For example, exercise, diet, looking your spiritual wellbeing, and so on is all important for your health.

The South African government provides ART for free at state hospitals. Please log into the Karabo site if you want to know which hospitals have an HIV clinic that supplies ART.

However, you do need a doctor to prescribe the tablets. Most hospitals run support groups at the HIV clinic as well. They also have readiness programmes that make sure that the patient gets a lot of information and preparation before he/she starts his/her treatment. ART is lifetime treatment, so it is important to give the patient as much information as possible to ensure that they do not default on their treatment.

Good luck,

Sis Lebo