Paediatric Access to ART in Kabwe District, Zambia

Zambia is one of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that is adversely affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Currently, 14.3% of Zambiäs population aged 15¿49 years is infected with HIV, implying that the country has the fifth highest prevalence rate in the world (Central Statistics Office, CSO, 2008). The high percentage of people living with the virus implies that many people may need to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) before they develop full-blown AIDS which may result in death. To mitigate this negative effect, the Government of the Republic of Zambia introduced free ART in selected government health facilities across the country. However, not everyone in need of ART is accessing it. This is especially the case for children below 15 years. It is however not clear why many children who may be in need of ART are not accessing treatment. It is also not clear how healthcare workers (HCWs) working in ART centres perceive children¿s access to ART. This book therefore brings out the perceptions of HCWs on paediatric access to ART in Kabwe District,Zambia.