Simplifying and adapting antiretroviral treatment in resource-poor settings: a necessary step to scaling-up

Access to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for patients in developing countries has become an increasing global public health and political concern in recent years. Both donor governments and those of high-burden countries agree that treating AIDS is a major priority. Efforts are underway in many countries to increase the numbers receiving ARV treatment, and the level of international funds committed to assist this effort has increased significantly, albeit insufficiently. In 2002, this led the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch an ambitious '3 x 5' plan to place three million people on ARV by 2005.