|
|
2. Access to Care Access to early medical care and treatment remains elusive for many people in the United States including those who are of low income and uninsured. Current treatments are expensive, effective only for some, and associated with debilitating side effects. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, one half to two thirds of people living with HIV are not currently in care. Barriers in accessing quality care result in disparities in health outcomes, which are most often, experienced by people with low income, women, minority populations, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) populations. The
quality of HIV clinical management has a direct effect on the
outcome of the epidemic. Standards must, therefore, be implemented
in HIV care to ensure that people living with HIV get the highest
quality of care and thus enjoy the best health outcomes possible.
As HIV disease progresses, treating it becomes more complex. Over
time, HIV can be compounded by life-threatening infections and
severe conditions caused by antiretroviral use that must be accurately
diagnosed and quickly treated. Thus, it is essential for all people
living with HIV to have access to qualified and experienced HIV
health care providers, who can successfully address the complex
needs of their HIV positive patients. AIDS Action will work with
its members, Congress, the Administration, and coalition partners
to support access to quality care for all people living with HIV.
[back to introduction] |