People living with HIV/AIDS now have nationwide access to the latest medical information, treatment options and support networks.
After five years of consultancy and development work, National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAPWA) established Treataware, a three-pronged approach to HIV information that features a comprehensive web site, treatment guide book and phone line to provide people living with HIV/AIDS the latest medical news.
According to NAPWA spokesman Bill Whittaker, ‘There is growing evidence that starting treatment sooner rather than later leads to better long term health outcomes, yet a substantial number of HIV-positive people are avoiding treatment because they may be unaware of the latest research, are concerned about treatment side effects or they don’t know where to go for up-to-date information.’
NAPWA President Robert Mitchell said, ‘Research shows that in situations where people are dealing with a long term illness, the outcomes are better for them when they are informed and able to take an active role in their treatment plan and work with their doctors.’
The NAPWA info line can be reached at 1800 817 713; the Treataware website can be accessed at www.treataware.info; and the guide booklet for people with HIV and their clinicians is available from NAPWA offices and affiliated organisations. For general information on NAPWA, visit http://napwa.org.au.
—
Ani Lamont – this article appears courtesy of the Sydney Star Observer
