Antiretroviral treatment programmes in Nepal: Problems and barriers

Authors: Wasti, S.P., Simkhada, P. and Van Teijlingen, E.R.

Journal: Kathmandu University Medical Journal

Volume: 7

Issue: 27

Pages: 306-314

eISSN: 1812-2078

ISSN: 1812-2027

DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v7i3.2743

Abstract:

Background: Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs have become the cornerstone of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) care and treatment. Its use has led to a marked reduction in AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) related morbidity and mortality. However, more than five years after their introduction few HIV infected people in Nepal are receiving ARVs. Objective: The main aim of this study is to identify barriers and obstacles to providing and expanding ARV programmes in Nepal. Materials and methods: A qualitative approach consisting of in-depth interviews with three groups of stakeholders: policy makers, ARV service providers and ARV recipients were carried out. The transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach. Results: The estimated number of people in need was high compared with people currently receiving ARV in Nepal. With regards to the proper distribution of the ARVs, the main problems identified in the interviews were: lack of infrastructure, lack of human resources, financial constraints, programmatic problems, weak leadership and management at national level, poor cooperation between management structures, geographical barriers, lack of awareness and low uptake of counselling and/or testing, stigmatization and discrimination felt by the health workers and the community, lack of coordination and limited access to services. Conclusion: Limited resources and administrative capacity coupled with strong underlying needs for services pose serious challenges to the government. Despite this, better use could be made of existing services and resources to help benefit more people from ARV.

Source: Scopus

Antiretroviral treatment programmes in Nepal: Problems and barriers.

Authors: Wasti, S.P., Simkhada, P. and Teijlingen, E.R.

Journal: Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ)

Volume: 7

Issue: 27

Pages: 306-314

eISSN: 1812-2078

DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v7i3.2743

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs have become the cornerstone of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) care and treatment. Its use has led to a marked reduction in AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) related morbidity and mortality. However, more than fi ve years after their introduction few HIV infected people in Nepal are receiving ARVs. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study is to identify barriers and obstacles to providing and expanding ARV programmes in Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative approach consisting of in-depth interviews with three groups of stakeholders:policy makers, ARV service providers and ARV recipients were carried out. The transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: The estimated number of people in need was high compared with people currently receiving ARV in Nepal. With regards to the proper distribution of the ARVs, the main problems identified in the interviews were: lack of infrastructure, lack of human resources, financial constraints, programmatic problems, weak leadership and management at national level, poor cooperation between management structures, geographical barriers, lack of awareness and low uptake of counselling and/or testing, stigmatization and discrimination felt by the health workers and the community, lack of coordination and limited access to services. CONCLUSION: Limited resources and administrative capacity coupled with strong underlying needs for services pose serious challenges to the government. Despite this, better use could be made of existing services and resources to help benefit more people from ARV.

Source: PubMed

Antiretroviral treatment programmes in Nepal: Problems and barriers

Authors: Wasti, S.P., Simkhada, P. and van Teijlingen, E.

Journal: Kathmandu University Medical Journal

Volume: 7

Pages: 306-314

ISSN: 1812-2027

Abstract:

Background: Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs have become the cornerstone of HIV (Human Immunodefi ciency Virus) care and treatment. Its use has led to a marked reduction in AIDS (Acquired Immune Defi ciency Syndrome) related morbidity and mortality. However, more than fi ve years after their introduction few HIV infected people in Nepal are receiving ARVs.

Objective: The main aim of this study is to identify barriers and obstacles to providing and expanding ARV programmes in Nepal.

Materials and methods: A qualitative approach consisting of in-depth interviews with three groups of stakeholders: policy makers, ARV service providers and ARV recipients were carried out. The transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach.

Results: The estimated number of people in need was high compared with people currently receiving ARV in Nepal. With regards to the proper distribution of the ARVs, the main problems identifi ed in the interviews were: lack of infrastructure, lack of human resources, financial constraints, programmatic problems, weak leadership and management at national level, poor cooperation between management structures, geographical barriers, lack of awareness and low uptake of counselling and/or testing, stigmatization and discrimination felt by the health workers and the community, lack of coordination and limited access to services.

Conclusion: Limited resources and administrative capacity coupled with strong underlying needs for services pose serious challenges to the government.

http://kumj.com.np/ftp/issue/27/306-314.pdf

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Edwin van Teijlingen

Antiretroviral treatment programmes in Nepal: Problems and barriers.

Authors: Wasti, S.P., Simkhada, P. and Teijlingen, E.R.

Journal: Kathmandu University medical journal (KUMJ)

Volume: 7

Issue: 27

Pages: 306-314

eISSN: 1812-2078

ISSN: 1812-2027

DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v7i3.2743

Abstract:

Background

Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs have become the cornerstone of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) care and treatment. Its use has led to a marked reduction in AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) related morbidity and mortality. However, more than fi ve years after their introduction few HIV infected people in Nepal are receiving ARVs.

Objective

The main aim of this study is to identify barriers and obstacles to providing and expanding ARV programmes in Nepal.

Materials and methods

A qualitative approach consisting of in-depth interviews with three groups of stakeholders:policy makers, ARV service providers and ARV recipients were carried out. The transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

The estimated number of people in need was high compared with people currently receiving ARV in Nepal. With regards to the proper distribution of the ARVs, the main problems identified in the interviews were: lack of infrastructure, lack of human resources, financial constraints, programmatic problems, weak leadership and management at national level, poor cooperation between management structures, geographical barriers, lack of awareness and low uptake of counselling and/or testing, stigmatization and discrimination felt by the health workers and the community, lack of coordination and limited access to services.

Conclusion

Limited resources and administrative capacity coupled with strong underlying needs for services pose serious challenges to the government. Despite this, better use could be made of existing services and resources to help benefit more people from ARV.

Source: Europe PubMed Central