Panama moving into top group for AIDs treatment

PANAMA is close to providing universal coverage of AIDs sufferers receiving antiretroviral treatment says a report published on World AIDS day, December 2.

The report by the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) positions Latin America and the Caribbean in front of other developing regions in terms of coverage of antiretroviral treatment.

At least three out of four people who need the treatment in Latin America are getting it .
"Latin America and the Caribbean is a world leader in the provision and expansion of antiretroviral treatment , applying technological innovation and scientific evidence to do so ," said Carissa F. Etienne , director of PAHO / WHO , in a preface to the report.
In December 2012, 725,000 people were receiving antiretroviral treatment in the region , ie , 75 % of people estimated to be receiving treatment according to WHO guidelines 2010.
Seven countries have achieved universal coverage ( over 80 % ), Argentina, Barbados, Brazil , Chile, Cuba , Guyana and Mexico .
Another 11 countries are close to achieving this goal , with coverage close to or greater than 70%: Panama, Bahamas , Belize, Costa Rica , Jamaica, Nicaragua, Paraguay , Peru , Dominican Republic , Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.
In addition, seven other countries in the region – Argentina , Belize, Bolivia , Brazil, Costa Rica , Ecuador and Honduras – are following the recommendations of the PAHO / WHO to provide antiretroviral treatment at an early stage of HIV infection, both to improve the health of the patients and reduce transmission.
A " Walk for Life took place on the Cinta Costera on Sunday, to create awareness and send a call for the public to adopt a responsible behavior towards the pandemic that claims more lives each year in Panama .
According to the organizers by September 2012 HIV affected 13, 264 people in the country.