Lessons learned from a paying antiretroviral therapy service in the public health sector at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi: 1-year experience.

Background: In October 2001, a paying antiretroviral therapy service was introduced at a Central Hospital in Malawi using stavudine 40 mg/lamivudine 150 mg/nevirapine 200 mg (triomune). The objective of this study was to determine characteristics of patients seeking antiretroviral therapy, retention in care, clinical outcomes, and outlines for program improvement.

Methods: Retrospectively, all patients seeking anti-retroviral therapy initiation (October 2001 to October 2002; follow-up through April 2003) were evaluated for laboratory results, retention in care, toxicity, and mortality.