The world’s political and health leaders have committed to the goal of providing universal access to HIV treatment for all who need it by 2010.

But unless people with HIV receive good quality information about their disease and their medications, the full benefits of HIV treatment will not be realised.

Good treatment information helps people with HIV to make informed decisions, to understand the critical importance of adherence to HIV treatment regimens, to recognise the symptoms of advancing HIV disease, and how to manage treatment side effects more effectively when they occur. Informed patients and good treatment information can help healthcare workers provide appropriate care and maximise the benefits of their efforts and limited resources.

Many treatment activists have learnt the science and treatment of HIV. Many of us educate our communities on these issues using innovative ways developed in other communities. Activists and community members with HIV learn through songs, photos, booklets, pamphlets, games, posters, videos, workbooks, plays, fact sheets, and formal training. All these things help build what we call Treatment Literacy.

We believe that good health outcomes can only succeed and thrive in places with strong support for community provision of health and treatment education. We believe community treatment literacy activists and educators will be critical to the success of ambitious plans to increase treatment access by 2010.