MAC AIDS Foundation releases plan to keep HIV patients in care

 

Studies have shown that one out of every two people with HIV in the U.S. fall out of care eventually. This is unfortunate, considering that advancements made in medications to treat this virus have made it possible for HIV-infected individuals to live long lives. Recently, the MAC AIDS Fund announced the Care for Life Initiative, which will be a multi-year effort involving both the public and private sector that aims to help people with HIV overcome the barriers that keep them from receiving care.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius mentioned this initiative as an example of the type of public and private partnerships that are needed to create an AIDS-free generation.

"Public-private partnerships play a vital role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This initiative, which addresses the barriers affecting people's ability to remain in care and on treatment, will help more individuals benefit from life-saving treatments, reduce new infections and move us closer to the Obama Administration's goal of an AIDS-free generation," stated Secretary Sebelius.

As part of the project, MAC AIDS Fund will support a mobile application called UCARE4LIFE. This is a program would involve texting HIV-infected individuals to make sure that they are taking care of themselves. It will focus on the Southern states, since individuals who live in these areas are disproportionately affected by HIV. Patients will receive text messages in both English and Spanish that will remind them of medical appointments and when it is time to take or refill their medications.

HIV is not the death sentence it used to be 30 years ago. Now, the right combination of medications can not only extend an HIV-infected individual's life, but it can also reduce their chances of transmitting the disease to others. This is why it is important for HIV-infected individuals to remain in care.