[ 2012-06-20 ]

HIV patients risk developing resistence as drug shortage hits Ghana



HIV patients on second-line therapy risk
developing worse resistance to the virus due to
shortage of a key agent of antiretroviral
therapy.

Health officials say the unavailability of Aluvia
meant for patients who have failed the first-line
treatment could derail the fight against
HIV-AIDS.

The Komfo Anokye and Korle Bu Hospitals are among
health facilities hardest hit by the shortage.

Apart from being used as a second line therapy,
Aluvia prevent occupationally acquired HIV
infection.

It is a key component in providing what is known
as post exposure prophylaxis for hospital staff
who come into contact with some categories of HIV
positive patients.

Shortage of the drug, according to health
authorities has negative implications for the
country.

Checks at the Central Medical Stores in Ashanti,
Greater Accra, Bono Ahafo and other seven regions
in Ghana reveal they have run-out of stock for
about two months now.

The development means [patients are on ‘treatment
holiday’, pending receipt of new consignment of
Aluvia.

About 1, 200 or 2 per cent of a total of 59, 000
HIV patients on treatment in Ghana are on second
line treatment.

About 400 of second line treatment patients are in
the Ashanti region alone.

Officials of the Ghana AIDS Control Program say a
foreign company that won the bid to import the
drug expects to take delivery by the end of this
month.

Programs Manager at the Ghana AIDS Control
Program, Dr. Nii Akwei Addo says late delivery of
consignments has been the challenge.

“You know three medicines combine even for the
second line. Because of these challenges, we have
what we call first and second options; so those
taking that, we have to change one of the
medicines for them until we get the Aluvia back in
the system”.

Meanwhile, Dr. Addo has advised HIV patients to
live healthy lives to prolong their lives.

“The things that people can to do keep them
healthy, well; eat well, stay healthy, low alcohol
but the critical thing is to get the medicine but
we are still pushing”.

Source - Nhyira Fm

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