At the end of the 1990s, the discovery of antiretrovirals (ARVs), in particular triple therapy combining three molecules in a single treatment, marked a decisive turning point in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This scientific advance, hailed as a blessing for people living with the virus, has radically changed the perception and management of this disease, particularly at Tambacounda hospital.
Once seen as a death sentence, AIDS is now considered a chronic disease, thanks to continued improvement in treatments. Triple therapy, combining tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir in a single capsule, offers a new chance of survival to patients. Dr. Amadou Moctar Diouf, responsible for the care of HIV patients at the Tambacounda regional hospital, expresses measured optimism in the face of this development.
“Today, with regular medication, patients can reduce their viral load and live as if they never had HIV,” says Dr. Diouf.
The latter explains that the new molecules allow patients to regain good health after only six months of rigorous treatment, thus reducing the viral load to less than 1000 copies of the virus in the body. The ultimate goal is to achieve an undetectable viral load, i.e. less than 50 copies, making the patient incapable of transmitting the virus, provided that strict compliance with treatment is maintained.
According to APS, recent advances have also simplified support. The molecules tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir are now combined in a single daily tablet, tenofovir plus, offering greater effectiveness and fewer side effects. However, some patients require specific adjustments, taking dolutegravir and lamivudine separately.
Dr. Diouf emphasizes the importance of taking ARVs regularly and rigorously, particularly for patients at the advanced stage of the infection. After six months of strict treatment, the viral load is drastically reduced, allowing the patient to return to a normal and active life. “If the instructions are followed, treatment for HIV/AIDS has evolved so well that the disease appears less dangerous than certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or stroke,” he observes.
Coumba Dabo, mediator at the Tambacounda regional hospital, shares this positive perspective. She recalls that previously, the treatments were heavy and the side effects were significant. Today, with triple therapy, patients can not only lead a normal life, but also consider family plans, such as having children without risk of transmitting the virus.
Ms. Dabo insists on the need to change the vocabulary used to talk about this disease. She suggests banning terms like “AIDS”, which stigmatize people living with HIV. Humanizing language and raising awareness can encourage more people to get tested and receive necessary treatment.
Thanks to advances in antiretroviral treatments, HIV/AIDS is now managed as a chronic illness, allowing patients to live full lives.
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