Preliminary data from a major international study is giving good evidence to compel health institutions to initiate anti-retroviral therapy on HIV-positive patient immediately.

The National Institutes of Health announced that the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment (START) study has found that those who were put on anti-retroviral treatment immediately after being tested for HIV had a 53% lower chance of dying or having an AIDS-related complication. The research also showed that the treatment also reduced the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

The results were welcomed by the United Nations Program on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS). It stated that starting antiretroviral therapy at a higher CD4 (a measure of immune system health) level would have a positive effect on the health of HIV patients.

Michel Sidibé, executive director of ,UNAIDS said, "Every person living with HIV should have immediate access to life-saving anti-retroviral therapy. Delaying access to HIV treatment under any pretext is denying the right to health".

START, which began in March 2011, was conducted by the International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) at 215 sites in 35 countries.

One site was led by Dr. John Baxter, professor of medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, and head of infectious diseases at the hospital.

Although it was anticipated to end in 2016, the results were released early by an independent data and safety monitoring board.

National Institutes of Health said anti-retrovirals used as a standard therapy for HIV produce best results when started at the time of diagnosis.