Fees For HIV Treatment Increase Risk Of Death In Developing Countries
That impoverished HIV patients in developing countries are more likely to die than those who receive free treatment is hardly a suprise. Still, seeing that truth starkly reported is impressive and provocative.
The data, from the ART-LINC collaboration, is derived from 18 treatment centers in South America, Africa and Asia, 12 of which provided free treatment.
Patients who did not pay for treatment had a 75% lower risk of death in the first year than patients who paid.
The report also points out that many programs report providing free treatment, they actually involve substantial costs. Patients at a South African clinic, for example, incurred costs (e.g., clinic fees, transport, food and lost wages) of US$75 a year.
Commentary
Once again, it appears obvious that all factors, including fiscal issues, must be aligned for compliance to improve.