Health Ministry Limits HIV Medication Distribution Due to Shortage

The Ministry of Health has announced it is controlling the distribution of HIV medication due to a shortage of supplies.

The available stock is enough for just one month's supply for each patient.

The medication affected is Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, which is used to treat HIV.

ARVs help prevent the virus from multiplying and damaging the immune system’s CD4 cells.

The Ministry said they have already placed orders for more supplies through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and are working closely with suppliers.

They hope to receive additional medication by the end of this month.

In the meantime, HIV patients are using alternative medication regimens, and the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely.

As of June this year, there are 552 confirmed cases of HIV/AIDS in Fiji.