In Botswana, about 25% of adults have HIV. In 2001, the government showed extraordinary vision in deciding to provide antiretroviral (ARV) medication to all in need. The national HIV/AIDS treatment plan was created, scaled-up, and continues to provide life-saving ARVs today.
Questions that always need to be asked about ambitious government programs are, how well is it working and what does it cost?
The Models of Care project was designed to provide answers. From 2007 to 2011, researchers led by HAI Executive Director Dr. Richard Marlink examined the costs and effectiveness of the Botswana National Antiretroviral Treatment Program. Collaborating with the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership (BHP), the Ministry of Health, and the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP), The Models of Care program consisted of three study arms:
1. Evaluation of the program at the individual patient level
2. Costing of the program over time
3. Creation of specific clinical cohorts to answer Botswana-specific care and treatment questions
The Models of Care researchers just issued their final report, with study results, analysis, and specific recommendations. The report serves to inform the debate regarding the efficacy, financial sustainability, feasibility, and effectiveness of existing models of clinical healthcare delivery and laboratory monitoring in Botswana.