Drugs: the solution?

This paper discusses some problems associated with AIDS drugs. The first problem is that the treatment regimes are complex. A patient has to take a number of drugs during the day at set times some on full stomach some on an empty one. If these regimes are not adhered to then the prospects for successful treatment are not good. Linked to the inability to take the drugs regularly is the issue of resistance. HIV mutates rapidly and can become resistant to drugs hence inconsistent or incorrect use of the drugs will speed this up. Another problem is that the drugs are toxic. Due to drug toxicity side effect may occur such as anemia liver disease kidney stones diabetes and heart disease. In addition there is the question of what drugs should be given in which combination and when. Research suggested that the best option is to start treatment when CD4 cell count drops below 350/mcl of blood. There are also issues of cost and the associated tests incurred. Another is the issue of sustainability. It is noted that HIV is a "long wave" disaster thus continued treatment regimes are needed. Finally there is a real danger that treating symptoms does not get to the cause. In view of this prevention must remain a priority. Moreover the need to respond to the consequences of the epidemic: the millions of orphans the families pushed into destitution and the elderly caring for scores of grandchildren.