ARV RATIONING BITES

By FLAVIOR KANUNGO THE rationing of ARVs has continued in various health facilities across the country, the Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign in Zambia has said. The organisation’s national director, Mr Felix Mwanza however said there had not been any reports of patients missing out on their treatment so far. Last month, the Ministry of …

ARV RATIONING BITES
By FLAVIOR KANUNGO THE rationing of ARVs has continued in various health facilities across the country, the Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign in Zambia has said. The organisation’s national director, Mr Felix Mwanza however said there had not been any reports of patients missing out on their treatment so far. Last month, the Ministry of Health confirmed the shortage of TLE ARVs in some health facilities, citing delayed supply by the people engaged. Mr Mwanza said his organisation was waiting for an update from the Ministry of Health on when the supply would be normalised. When contacted, Ministry of Health spokesperson Abel Kabalo expressed ignorance and only promised to consult with relevant departments. Shortages of critical first line anti-retroviral drugs may place the lives of more than 70,000 patients in jeopardy. Earlier, patients on HIV treatment had complained that the supply has been reduced to two weeks in response to the shortage that most hospitals and supply centers are facing. A patient who spoke to the Nation said Government needed to take urgent steps to address the shortage of life-prolonging anti-retroviral drugs (ART) at all public health institutions to prevent drug resistance and other complications. About 70, 000 people who are on TLE – the first line ARV drugs have been left stranded as they have not been receiving their medication for two weeks.