Universal access: the benefits and challenges in bringing integrated HIV care to isolated and conflict affected populations in the Republic of Congo.

摘要: The Pool region of the Republic Congo is an isolated, conflict-affected area with under-resourced and poorly functioning health care services. Despite significant AIDS-related mortality morbidity in this area, a national level commitment to universal HIV care, has been largely neglected. In 2005 Medecins Sans Frontieres decided introduce activities. However, setting high basic needs, limited medical resources competing priorities, vertical programme was not suitable. This paper describes process integrating treatment into services, clinical outcomes 222 patients started on antiretroviral (ART), benefits communities systems. Key lessons learned include use multi-skilled human resources, step-wise implementation activities, initial engagement experienced staff member, simplified adapted testing, monitoring protocols drug regimens, introduction more complex tools simplify management decisions intensive education regarding integration. project rural remote demonstrates that integrated programs can save lives play key role helping achieve access ART Africa.