HIV Patients At Risk Over Shortage Of Antiretroviral Drugs

Millions of HIV patients may be at risk particularly in developing countries over the shortage of antiretroviral medicines within next two months.

This is according to a statement by the the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

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“Stocks of medication for HIV patients could run out in the next two months, because of higher costs linked to lockdowns and COVID-19 border closures”

The agency said that both the production of generic antiretroviral drugs and their distribution are threatened. 

UNAID also called on the government of different country’s manufacturers to take pre-emptive action  adding that
millions of people could be at risk if they go without treatment, both to themselves and others from an increased chance of HIV transmission.

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima said, “It is vital that countries urgently make plans now to mitigate the possibility and impacts of higher costs and reduced availability of antiretroviral medicines.

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“I call on countries and buyers of HIV medicines to act swiftly to ensure that everyone who is currently on treatment continues to be on it, saving lives and stopping new HIV infections.”

“Since 24.5 million people were on antiretroviral therapy at the end of June 2019, millions of people could be at risk of harm both to themselves and others owing to an increased risk of HIV transmission if they cannot continue to access their treatment,”

The UNAID estimated that a six-month disruption of antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa alone could lead to 500,000 additional AIDS-related deaths.

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