ADHERENCE |
Adherence to antiretroviral treatment means taking the medicines in the right quantities, at the right time and taking all the medicines as prescribed. Poor adherence rates (less than 95% adherence) can lead to treatment failure and to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of HIV. |
ANTIRETROVIRALS (ARVs) |
Medicines designed to suppress the replication of HIV and prevent the progression of AIDS. |
ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY |
HIV treatment involving the use of a triple combination of ARVs. |
CD4 T-CELL |
A type of immune system cell that is depleted during the progression of HIV infection. A blood test involving a CD4 cell count can be used to determine the stage of the disease and is one of the criteria that can be used for deciding when to start ART and to monitor response to therapy. |
CLIENTS |
People who use the AIDS treatment services available at the health facilities. |
UNDETECTABLE VIRAL LOAD |
When the virus is not detected in the blood after a laboratory test. |
VIRAL LOAD |
Levels of virus found in the blood per 10 millilitres (mls). |