Palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

We agree with Richard Harding and Irene Higginson (June 4, p 1971) and Anne Merriman and Manjit Kaur (p 1909) that improving palliative care services for people living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is extremely important despite the increasing access to antiretroviral treatment (ART). However, by far the most effective means of improving symptoms and the wellbeing of patients with AIDS is by successfully treating opportunistic infections and starting ART. With simple, affordable drugs and the free provision of antituberculous and antifungal therapy, most opportunistic infections can be cured. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of ART in Africa.3–5 We therefore agree with Merriman and Kaur’s view that palliative care in the era of ART should be clearly defined