ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART)

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH: 

Supreme Court recently ordered States to address transparency issues in tendering and procuring ART drugs for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) /AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) patients.

About ART

• ART is a combination of medicines that help control HIV by reducing the virus in the body.
  • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that destroys CD4 cells (also called helper T-cells), an important part of the immune system.
• While ART can not cure HIV, it can reduce the levels of HIV in human body.
  • Low levels of the virus mean more CD4 cells could be produced, thus protecting the immune system.
• India Launched National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) in 1992 to tackle HIV/AIDS.