Getting to normal: Are we there yet?

摘要

The question of whether HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) may expect to live a 'normal' lifespan is of major interest and has significant care strategy and financing policy implications. Independent of the public health benefit of immediate antiretroviral treatment, how early is early enough for achieving a normal lifespan? What are the long-term cost implications? If a normal lifespan is possible, what are the conditions under which this may happen?