HIV/AIDS: Antiretroviral drugs in short supply!

Medics unofficially blamed the situation on supply delays, as patients worried their treatment procedures would be comprised

By Ntaryike Divine, Jr. in Douala

Fright abruptly gripped HIV/AIDS patients across Douala last week as antiretroviral [ARV] drugs ran out of stock at approved distribution centres. Patients at the Laquintinie Hospital and other medical centres complained all week they were being told to exercise endurance.

Except for Triomune, two other drugs associated in ARV treatment for HIV/AIDS treatment [Nevirapine and Duovir] were simply unavailable. HIV/AIDS officials at the Laquintinie Hospital, Douala’s biggest medical facility and the central supply point for the drugs, upheld an information blackout.

They mostly refused to officially comment on the situation that roused escalating anxiety amongst
patients. In some cases, they even either appeared aloof or hostile at the slightest mention of the
subject. But anger and frustration seemed to mount amongst patients who said the scarcity had already spanned a week!

“I have just been informed that the shortage is linked to a supply delay provoked by some technical problems. They say the situation may return to normal by the end of the week but my situation may complicate if I don’t take the drug very soon”, a patient whose name we are
withholding testified Thursday, the same day medics assured patients the ARV shortage will end. It did not.

ARV treatment is provided gratis for some patients in Cameroon since the last two years. But haphazard supplies of the product, especially to some African countries, have meant a threat to the lives of thousands of patients whenever it occurs. Medics hold that once begun, ARV treatment should not be interrupted to avoid a build-up [by the human immuno-deficiency virus] of resistance to the drug.

Some of the panic-stricken unwell protesters wielded placards indicating that deaths were certain if they continued to be deprived of the treatment medication. Manufacturers, according to critics, usually accord attention to [Western] countries who place bigger orders. Watchdog organisations have urged African nations to mount pressure on ARV manufacturers who are mostly Indian, to pay closer attention to demands from Africa , which hosts the worlds bulk of HIV/AIDS
victims.