Stronger health systems for more effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Of the 42 million living with HIV/AIDS world‐wide some 90% live in developing countries. The international community acknowledges the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on development and over the past few years resources to control HIV/AIDS have increased considerably. We argue that strengthening of health systems is a necessary prerequisite for improving the prevention of HIV infection and the care of HIV‐infected persons. Sexual behaviour change requires a multidisciplinary approach, but health services play a crucial role in detection and treatment of other sexually transmitted infections; HIV counselling and testing; prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV; and care of HIV‐infected patients. Increasing access to antiretroviral treatment especially poses formidable challenges to health authorities in developing countries. Additional resources for the prevention of HIV‐infection and the care of HIV‐infected persons may not have the desired impact if health systems in developing countries are not strengthened. Further, any activity in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention and care, carried out within health services, can have a positive ripple effect on other health care activities and vice versa. This interactive effect needs to be acknowledged and built on. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.