Treatment

There is no current cure for HIV, but effective HIV treatments(antiretroviral therapy) have been developed that block HIV replication, preventing immune damage and HIV-related illness. Treatment does not have to begin immediately after diagnosis, but once begun it needs to be maintained throughout a person’s life.

People living with HIV typically require Triple combination therapy of ARD(Anti-retroviral Drugs) which is usually prescribed by an infectious Disease Specialist Physician.

Antiretroviral Treatment is provided by the Ministry of Public Health free of charge (to Lebanese citizens and Palestinian refugees). Patients who are deemed eligible for treatment by their physician (i.e. if their CD4 Tcell count drops below 350cells/mm³ as per WHO guidelines)  can obtain a medication card and thus pick up their anti-retroviral treatment from the National AIDS program at the Ministry of Public Health.

Care and Support

Getting infected with HIV is no longer a death sentence. PLWHA (People living with HIV AIDS) can live a normal life if they take their medication regularly and follow their Care giver’s instructions. HIV/AIDS is now considered as a chronic disease.  There are more than 34million people living with HIV around the globe by end of 2010 according to UNAIDS- so you are not alone.

Talking to a close friend, parent, counselor, VCT specialist can help to explore all your feelings about having HIV. Furthermore, you must visit an infectious disease specialist doctor who will inform you about your treatment options, talk to you about safety precautions, and help you find somebody to talk to about your feelings.

A number of NGOs are primarily founded by and for PLHIV. And their aim is to to enhance the lives of those who are affected directly and indirectly by the HIV/AIDS epidemic,  provide social support, focus groups, peer to peer education for PLHIV, and a friendly atmosphere devoid of stigma and discrimination. It is important to encourage PLHIV to express their feelings, frustrations and demands but it is also essential to let them know their rights and obligations towards themselves and their community. Some of these NGOs include Vivre Positif and Think Positive (See list of NGOs under VCTs)

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