HIV treatment adherence

As of 2020, a total of 46,931 individuals are receiving treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections throughout Malaysia and a total of 3,146 new cases were reported in the same year.

HIV is a virus that attacks and destroys human immune system. This virus can be transmitted through body fluids which include blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.

Contrary to popular myth, individuals will not get HIV infection through normal contact such as kissing, sharing drinks or shaking hands.

Certain behaviours and conditions may put individuals at greater risk of contracting HIV. This infection can spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, illicit injection drug use or needle sharing, unsafe blood transfusion, needle stick injury or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

To date, there is no effective cure which means that once a person is infected with HIV, they will have it for life.

However, appropriate medical treatment and regular screening can extend the life of people living with HIV (PLWH) and prevent HIV from spreading.

On the other hand, if HIV infection is left untreated, it can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the serious stage of HIV.

In AIDS patient, the virus has severely damaged one’s immune system making patients susceptible to opportunistic infections that happened more frequently and more severe in people with weakened immune system.

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)

The treatment used for HIV infection is commonly known as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).

It prevents deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the virus from replicating hence, reducing the number of viruses in the body to undetectable levels and provide a better quality of life for PLWH.

HAART comprises three or more antiretroviral medications from at least 2 different classes. This combination is required to successfully suppress the HIV replication, reduce the risk of medications resistance and ensure the effectiveness of the therapy.

Before commencing the treatment, health care providers need to evaluate the willingness and readiness of patients to initiate HAART.

Counselling from doctors and pharmacists trained in HIV treatment is needed to ensure that patients understand the importance of compliance.

PLWH should also be informed that the first HAART regimen offers the best opportunity for effective viral suppression and immune recovery. Non-compliance with medications may lead to treatment failure.

These are the categories of HAART medicines available in government health facilities in Malaysia: