Teixeira PR, Santos CE, Vitoria MA, Lima JN, Sakita KM, Grangeiro AL, Costa-Filho RB, Sudo EC; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. MoOrB1098.

STD/AIDS Program, Ministry of Health, Brasilia, Brazil

ISSUES: The Brazilian MOH has made the combined ART including PI and NNRTI universally available since 96,with logistic and criteria distribution based on regularly updated national guidelines. By Dec.2001, 113000 patients was benefit from this program. As a result there has been a significant fall in morbidity/mortality rates and costs of treating HIV carriers. DESCRIPTION: Analysis of the effects showed similar results as those obtained in developed countries. Mortality was reduced by 60-80% and a notable reduction in number of main OI were seen. This was reflected in marked reduction of hospital admissions, length and complexity of treatment needed, suggesting a significant improvement in patient well-being. As regards costs, it was shown that the policy of universal access to combined ART led to savings on medicines to treat OI and direct costs of hospital admissions. It is estimated that 358000 admissions were avoided in 1997-2001, representing savings of $US 1 billion. The cost of ARV in 2001 was US$ 235 million (1.6% of MOH budget) and treatment for each patient is now 50% cheaper than in 97. By now, 63% of ARV used are generics and their prices have fallen 82% over 5 years and MOH negotiated a cost reduction of imported drugs by 60%. Changes in type of services used was also noted, with significant growth in demand for outpatient services and decrease for home and day-care services. LESSONS LEARNED: The policy of universal access to combined ART in Brazil has been shown to be cost-effective. It has also led to reduced mortality rates, improvements in the quality of life for HIV+ individuals and savings in the medical costs, while economic and social related costs have fallen. RECOMMENDATIONS: The financial resources devoted to this initiative represents an economically viable investment.A well-designed and supported international effort to reduce drug prices and improve health infrastructure could overcome many obstacles even in poor resource countries.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Ambulatory Care
• Brazil
• Costs and Cost Analysis
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Resources
• Hospitalization
• Humans
• Poverty
• economics
• therapy

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0015118

UI: 102252616

From Meeting Abstracts