The Impact of Antiretrovirals (ART)

Fewer Deaths
Globally, HIV-related deaths dropped by 19% from 2004 to 2009 as ART access increased. In Thyolo district, Malawi, MSF estimates that over 10,000 lives were saved between 2000-2007 because of scale-up of HIV/AIDS care and ART.

Less Illness
ART decreases the risk of developing TB by 67% and reduces the risk of death from TB by up to 95%.

Fewer HIV Infections
A study in seven African countries found that ART reduced transmission of the virus by 92% among couples where one person was HIV-positive and on ART and the other was HIV-negative.

Fewer Pregnant Mothers Dying
HIV is a main driver of maternal deaths in countries with high prevalence and a factor in an estimated 20% of all maternal deaths.

Fewer AIDS Orphans
According to a recent study, ART could avert a total of more than four million children being orphaned by AIDS in 10 African countries by 2020.

Fewer Babies Dying
Providing ART to expectant mothers and prophylaxis to babies reduces infant mortality by reducing HIV – and therefore also HIV/AIDS-related infections – in babies.

Reduced Cost
There is clear evidence of the economic benefits of ART at the household level, and models suggests that universal access to treatment is cost-effective in the mid- and long-term. Studies have found that initiating ART earlier is cost-effective as it reduces mortality, illness, and hospitalization. Delaying the provision of treatment to save costs today will likely cost more in the medium term.

Stronger health systems
HIV programs have been found to strengthen health systems by strengthening service delivery, human resources, information systems, finances, and leadership.18,19 ART has also shown to reduce hospitalization and ease burden on overstretched health systems.

From the MSF report “Getting Ahead of the Wave: Lessons for the Next Decade of the AIDS Response”