Habari

Banned HIV drug still circulating

An imported HIV/AIDS life-prolonging drugs-EMTRI 30-40, still in circulation, is threatening the lives of people living with HIV as government investigations on its side effects continue.

By Judica Tarimo



An imported HIV/AIDS life-prolonging drugs-EMTRI 30-40, still in circulation, is threatening the lives of people living with HIV as government investigations on its side effects continue.



In the recent past, organizations dealing with people living with HIV virus have urged the government to ban circulation and distribution of the ARV drugs at hospitals, dispensaries, health centres.


“We have complained about the danger posed by these drugs, but the government did not take us seriously,“ said Julius Kaaya, a prominent anti-AIDS campaigner.


“Authorities seem to defend the importers of the drugs that`s why they have ignored our complaints.


But our clients are really suffering and dying because of these drugs,“ he claimed.


Without giving specific figures, Kaaya said several HIV victims had died after taking the drugs, with others being subjected to serious health complications.


“I have a friend who experienced serious health problems after taking the drugs her skin colour changed and developed some sort of rashes.


Her body became weaker than before,“ said a Dar es Salaam resident.
“We don�t see the logic to continue importing HIV drugs, which have been disqualified by the world health body (WHO). I am wondering what�s behind this deal,“ said Kaaya.


The Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. David Mwakyusa, said the government had already banned importation of the drugs, and had instructed the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) to extensively study their side effects on users.


“I have not contacted them (TFDA), the study is going on. I issued an importation ban, but I am not certain if local circulation of the drug is still going on or not,“ said the minister, who is attending Bunge session in Dodoma.


The minister said: “It is unwise for us to continue using drugs which have been rejected by the organization (WHO).“


On possible collusion between government officials and the India-based pharmaceutical company, the minister advised concerned individuals to present evidence to substantiate their allegations.


The government has commissioned the Medical Store Department (MSD) to purchase and import the drugs, while the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) circulates them to selected health centres.


Source: Guardian

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