Strategies towards Empowering Nurses on the Rational Use of Antiretrovirals in Children Initiated and Managed on Therapy in Rural Primary Healthcare Clinics of South Africa

Abstract

HIV has affected the health and welfare of children and undermined the success of child survival in some countries. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in managing HIV is one great public health success story. ART has commanded increased survival for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Barriers to achieving ART outcomes in children have been simplifying the prescribing process for non-paediatricians, such as medical doctors and nurses familiar with prescribing ART for adults but involved in treating children, particularly at the primary health care level. And the lack of appropriate antiretroviral formulations for children. The calculation of individualised doses for liquid oral ARVs for children at each clinic visit is considered complicated and time-consuming. ART failure among children seems to be an under-recognised issue, and adherence to treatment guidelines is reported to be a challenge among nurses caring for children and PLWHIV. Rational medicine use is essential to ensure the success of pharmacologic interventions. The attainment of ART goals depends on the effective use ARVs as recommended in guidelines. It is pivotal that nurses be empowered with strategies aimed at promoting the rational use of antiretrovirals.