Directly observed highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected children in Cambodia

Am J Public Health. 2007 Jun;97(6):974-7. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.083253. Epub 2007 Apr 26.

Abstract

Antiretroviral medications are becoming available for HIV-infected children in resource-limited settings. Maryknoll, an international Catholic charity, provided directly observed antiretroviral therapy to HIV-infected children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Child care workers administered generic antiretroviral drugs twice daily to children, ensuring adherence. Treatment began with 117 late-stage HIV-infected children; 22 died of AIDS during the first 6 months. The rest were treated for at least 6 months and showed CD4 count increases comparable to those achieved in US and European children. Staffing cost for this program was approximately US $5 per child per month, or 15% more than the price of the medications. Drug toxicities were uncommon and easily managed. Directly observed antiretroviral therapy appears to be a promising, low-cost strategy for ensuring adherent treatment for HIV-infected children in a resource-limited setting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active* / economics
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cambodia / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Directly Observed Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome