Federal HAPCO finalizes preparations to provide Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) antiretroviral drugs
Addis
Ababa, April 29, 2008 (WIC) – Preparations have been
finalized to provide Fixed Dose Combination (FDC)
antiretroviral drugs for people living with HIV/AIDS,
the Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO)
disclosed. Speaking at a consultative forum organized by Walta Information Center in collaboration with HAPCO, HIV/AIDS Treatment, Support and Supervision Expert with HAPCO, Dr. Elias Abebe, said that FDC imported into the country contains three drugs taken two times a day in one tablet.
The drug prepared for both adults and children would help to reduce the number of tablets taken in a day from six to two as well as improve devotion and alleviate problems of handling, the expert elaborated.
The provision of the drug would begin in government health institutions after two months, Dr. Elias said, adding that over 64 percent individuals who are taking ant-retroviral drugs reportedly would become beneficiaries of FDC.
Preparations are also underway to provide FDC antiretroviral drugs that would be taken once a day next September, according to him.
Clinton Foundation Country Director, Dr. Yigeremew Abebe, said using combination of drugs has proved fruitful on the prevention of TB and malaria and added that similar results would be achieved if HIV/AIDS patients strictly follow the orders of health professionals. HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Board Member, Dr. Mesfin Araya, on his part said that the government has reportedly been exerting efforts to distribute FDC's to all people living with HIV/AIDS.
Over 50 experts drawn from local and international organizations, hospitals, universities, associations of people living with HIV/AIDS and pertinent bodies took part in the consultative forum, it was learnt.
