It is never too late to begin treatment with ARV, as long as it is a suitable combination and it is taken continuously and regularly.

Quoted during the 5th Bangkok Symposium on HIV medicines ( 16th January 2002 )

• This Quotation challenges the belief that people with severe immune deficiency (very low CD4 counts) will not only not benefit from taking ARV but may also get worse.

• No matter how low CD4 count a person can be successfully treated with ARV medicines.

• Starting ARV treatment too early has proven to be unnecessary and might cause long- term negative effects.

• Immunity is not compromised and a person remains healthy with no opportunistic infections it is not recommended to start ARV.

• Starting ARV early can bring about early drug resistance.

The World Health Organization suggests that people start ARV treatment when:

• The CD4 count falls below 200.

• The person become ill or has a history of illness due to opportunistic infections.

How to prepare yourself to take ARV medicines.................

• Acquire a thorough knowledge of ARV treatment including precise information about the medicines going to be taken.

• Acquire thorough knowledge and information about the continued needs to take medicines for the prevention of opportunistic infections.

• Assess your feelings. Examine your readiness to commit to a continuous, regular and life-long medical treatment.

• Assess your financial means.

• Examine your long term ability to pay for the costs of medicines, regular blood tests, transportation for hospitals appointments or collection of medicines, as well as potential loss of income when not working.

Feel free to consult with the Doctor whenever a problem arises.
Doctor-patient cooperation is beneficial to the treatment.