Antiretroviral therapy

Standard antiretroviral therapy (ART) consists of the combination of at least three antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to maximally suppress the HIV virus and stop the progression of HIV disease. Huge reductions have been seen in rates of death and suffering when use is made of a potent antiretroviral regimen, particularly in early stages of the disease. Furthermore, expanded access to ART can also reduce the HIV transmission at population level, impact orphan hood and preserve families.

In 2010, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV, of whom more than 30 million were living in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO and UNAIDS estimate that at least 15 million people were in need of antiretroviral therapy in 2010. As of the end of 2010, 6.6 million people had access to antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO is providing countries with ongoing guidance, tools and support in delivering and scaling up antiretroviral therapy within a public health approach.