Medicines to treat most opportunistic infections are available on the market, but are often too expensive for the majority of patients. Furthermore, they are only a temporary solution, since the HIV virus continues to attack the immune system. After one infection is cured, others inevitably follow. Since 1996, potent ARV combinations known as drug cocktails or triple therapy have been available. They do not cure AIDS, but can improve a patient s quality of life and prolong survival when taken consistently.
Medical programs treat the most common opportunistic infections using basic essential drugs.
In addition, specific programs provide care for people living with AIDS, and pilot projects have begun using anti-retroviral treatment. MSF is also developing programs to reduce transmission of the virus from pregnant mothers to their children. In Cambodia, MSF supports the national referral hospital for AIDS patients, treats opportunistic infections, and plans to introduce antiretroviral therapy. In Thailand, MSF provides basic care to AIDS patients in their homes, supports a network of organizations advocating for better access to treatment, trains staff in counseling and care, and provides ARV therapy. The cost per month of triple ARV therapy is about 30 times the average monthly salary of a person living in the developing world.