3. 4 Does ART really work?

Yes.

ART dramatically reduces HIV-related illnesses and deaths in every country.

Treatment works for women, men and children. It works no matter how you became HIV positive. Whether this was sexually, through IV drug use, at birth or by blood products.

Taking ART as prescribed, reduces the amount of HIV in your body to tiny levels. This lets your immune system recover and you CD4 count become stronger.

ART is not a cure, but can let you lead an active life for many years into old age.

Because ART is so effective, knowing your HIV status is also more important.

Generic HIV drugs are also widely used in every country. Generic drugs work just as well as brand-name drugs.

Last updated: 1 January 2023.