Antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition. Understanding ART is essential for patients and healthcare providers.

What is ART?
Antiretroviral therapy involves using a combination of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection. ART cannot cure HIV, but it helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.

Drug Classes:
1. NRTIs (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)
2. NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)
3. PIs (Protease Inhibitors)
4. INSTIs (Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors) - includes Dolutegravir
5. Entry Inhibitors
6. Post-attachment Inhibitors

Combination Therapy:
HIV treatment typically involves combining drugs from different classes to attack the virus at multiple points in its life cycle. This approach is more effective and helps prevent resistance.

First-Line Regimens:
WHO-recommended first-line regimens include Dolutegravir plus two NRTIs (typically tenofovir and lamivudine or emtricitabine).

Goals of ART:
- Reduce HIV viral load to undetectable levels
- Restore and preserve immune function
- Improve quality of life
- Reduce HIV transmission risk
- Prevent opportunistic infections

When to Start ART:
Current guidelines recommend starting ART as soon as possible after HIV diagnosis, regardless of CD4 count. Early treatment provides the best outcomes.

Adherence is Critical:
Taking ART medications exactly as prescribed is crucial for success. Missing doses can lead to treatment failure and drug resistance.

Monitoring Treatment:
Regular monitoring includes viral load testing, CD4 count, side effect assessment, and drug interaction screening.