Simon Kang ethe
University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Title: Exploring Underpinnings Weighing Down the Phenomenon of Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Drugs (ARVs) among the People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in South Africa and Botswana: A Literature Review
Biography
Biography: Simon Kang ethe
Abstract
It is critical that People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in African countries hard- hit by the HIV/
AIDS pandemic such as Botswana and South Africa be the cornerstone of a successful HIV/AIDS campaign by taking responsibility and accountability of taking the ARVs according to the drug regimen. Anti-retrovirals (ARVs) are very expensive and drains national coffers immensely that translates to a heavy burden on the tax payers. The aim of this paper is, through a review of literature methodology, to debate and discuss a few underpinnings behind the PLWHA defaulting their drug regimen. The following environment promotes defaulting: poverty and its ramifications
such as lack of food; excessive intake of alcohol; capacity of the ARVs to deform body structure; use of both biomedical concoctions and those of traditional healers in tandem; sexual libido emanating to the use of ARVs; and stigma associated with taking ARVs. The paper recommends: strong awareness to strengthen PLWHA ownership of the campaign; immense community support of the PLWHA and the campaign generally; and further research on how to reduce food appetite and sexual libido.
Key Words: Stigma. Sexual Libido. Traditional Concoctions. Bio Medics. Traditional Healers.