Enhance HIV fight
The great achievements made over the years in the fight against HIV now under threat.
The fight against HIV is facing new challenges as drug resistance emerges as a major threat. In 2023 alone, Kenya recorded 13,396 new HIV infections and 19,434 AIDS-related deaths. While the number of people living with HIV has declined to 1.48 million, reflecting a general downward trend in overall transmission, the emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains poses a significant risk to treatment efficacy.
Drug resistance can be attributed to various factors such as patients missing doses, inconsistent medication adherence, and a lack of steady supply. At the recent International AIDS Society summit in Rio de Janeiro, researchers revealed instances of drug resistance in HIV-positive individuals in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Lesotho. They cautioned that if this trend persists, HIV transmission rates may increase.
DTG, a preferred first- and second-line HIV treatment drug since 2018, has proven effective, easy to administer, and causes fewer side effects. Its strong genetic barrier against drug resistance has made it a crucial component of treatment protocols. However, treatment interruptions due to resistance can weaken patients' immunity, leaving them vulnerable to opportunistic infections and potential death.
To combat this issue, health authorities are advocating for stronger monitoring systems and enhanced patient support. Promoting medications with a high barrier to resistance and working closely with patients to suppress viral loads are essential strategies. Additionally, school authorities are calling for a review of the HIV prevention rates set a decade ago to better reflect current circumstances.
In Kenya, the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market continues to expand despite rising retail prices. New import terminals are expected to increase competition, contributing to the market's growth. Meanwhile, ensuring proper tracking of drug resistance patterns through collaboration with organizations like the World Health Organisation is crucial in maintaining the effectiveness of HIV treatment programs.
Written by urgent.news from Nation Africa's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
