Drug-resistant HIV-1 in sub-Saharan Africa: clinical and public health studies

The past decade has witnessed an unparalleled expansion of access to antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. This historic public health achievement has saved the lives and improved the well-being of millions of people. Concern has been raised about rising drug-resistant HIV in resource-limited countries as a potential threat to the worldwide control of HIV/AIDS. To this end, the PharmAccess African Studies to Evaluate Resistance (PASER) network was established in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in 2006. This thesis presents the results of landmark research on the epidemiology, diagnostic strategies, clinical management and public health implications related to emerging HIV drug resistance in sub-Saharan Africa.