HIV, aging and continuity care: strengthening health systems to support services for noncommunicable diseases in low-income countries

AIDS. 2012 Jul 31:26 Suppl 1:S77-83. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e3283558430.

Abstract

Although health systems in most low-income countries largely provide episodic care for acute symptomatic conditions, many HIV programs have developed effective, locally owned and contextually appropriate policies, systems and tools to support chronic care services for persons living with HIV (PLWH). The continuity of care provided by such programs may be especially critical for older PLWH, who are at risk for more rapid progression of disease and are more likely to have complications of HIV and its treatment than their younger counterparts. Older PLWH are also more likely to have other chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, cancers and chronic lung disease. As the number of older PLWH rises, enhanced chronic care systems will be required to optimize their health and wellbeing. These systems, lessons and resources can also be leveraged to support the burgeoning numbers of HIV-negative individuals with chronic NCD in need of ongoing care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging
  • Chronic Disease / economics
  • Chronic Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chronic Disease / therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Developing Countries*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / economics
  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / therapy
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / economics
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / therapy
  • Health Resources
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Life Expectancy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / economics
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy