Study underscores benefits of starting ARV treatment early

Head of NASCOP Dr Martin Siringo (left) flanked by Clinicians Society Chairperson Loice Achieng (right) during the official opening ceremony of HIV prevention, care and treatment forum held in a Nairobi hotel. After taking ARVs for some time, three years at most, a patient can stop taking the medication and still have a strong immunity. (PHOTO: WILLIS AWANDU/ STANDARD)

A new milestone has been made in the fight against HIV and AIDS that can see individuals who test positive live without the burden of taking anti-retroviral medicine.

The research pioneered by Kenyan-born researcher Thumbi Ndung'u has showed that those who are put on ARVs immediately after being positively diagnosed can attain up to 84 per cent suppression of the virus.