Of all third-world countries suffering from the scourge of HIV, South Africa is one of the most well-known. In a turn of events however, it has been revealed that the treatment of HIV – and indeed Tuberculosis – may be simplified for the benefit of the sufferers.
From three pills condensed into one; HIV-positive individuals undergoing anti-retroviral therapy, which controls HIV with the sufferer’s immune system – can now take just one pill in a fixed-combination, no matter the strength or weakness of their immune systems.
The innovative new pill is due to new government tender that allows the medicine’s maker to invest in combining all three effects into a single dose.
South Africa’s Clinicians’ Society noted that the new design:
- Reduces the risk of incorrect dosing due to patient misunderstanding, prescribing or dispensing errors;
- Patients are unable to default single drugs to avoid certain side-effects (some patients reduce or discontinue medicine that cause dizziness or drowsiness);
- There is a reduced risk of patient exposure to dual therapy during single drug stock-outs.
With 70% of South Africans suffering from HIV as well as TB at the same time, the pill is beneficial as it suppresses the damaging effects of both. It almost sounds like a dream come true.
Unfortunately, despite the innovation, new tender and useful design, not everyone will be able to receive this new form of treatment.
Vuyiseka Dubula, general secretary of the Treatment Action Campaign, noted that there are fixed priorities on who is treated, as some patients are on different forms of medicine. The government has also prioritised access.
According to this list of priorities however, those that will be the first to receive the treatment will be pregnant women and those that have recently contracted the disease.
If so, then the future is promising for South Africa – with HIV solutions continuously being looked into, South Africa – and indeed the third world – is not going to bow its head in defeat.