ASI urges NACO to resume supplies of HIV medicines at every centre

Mumbai, August 27, 2022:

Expressing concern over shortage of antiretroviral drugs across the country causing severe hardship to patients, the AIDS Society of India (ASI) representing physicians and researchers in HIV care and emerging infectious diseases has urged the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) of the Union ministry of health and family welfare to resume supplies of HIV medicines at every centre, and ensure minimum one-month dispensation to those stable on the therapy.

Scores of people living with HIV have been on an indefinite sit-in outside NACO centres for the last 37 days to protest shortage of lifesaving antiretroviral drugs.

Since the first HIV clinic was opened by ASI co-founder and president DrIshwarGilada when first case got diagnosed in India in 1986, India has come a long way in reducing number of new HIV infections, as well as scaling up lifesaving (and lifelong) antiretroviral therapy to almost 16 lakh people (1.6 million). India's leadership in providing made-in-India generic antiretroviral therapy to almost 92 per cent of people living with HIV worldwide – is another commendable feat.
 
“The gains made by India by providing antiretroviral therapy to 16 lakh people can be lost if drug supplies are not stable. Government of India's 2018 guidelines recommend providing HIV medicine supplies of 3 months to all those people who are stable on the therapy. Communities on an indefinite sit-in are demanding 1-month supply, as they are reporting cases where people are getting supplies for 7-10 days or less, or some are being provided with paediatric doses or vice versa. When consumers report gaps in best of services, it is prudent in interest of public welfare and meeting India's target of ending AIDS in next 100 months (by 2030), to pay heed to these complaints and promptly redress them, so as to strengthen the national AIDS programme of India, and accelerate progress and not lose momentum,” said DrIshwarGilada, president, ASI.
 
“There is ample scientific evidence to show that when a person is stable on antiretroviral therapy and virally suppressed, she/he/they will have the same life expectancy as an HIV-negative person of the same age in similar context. Antiretroviral therapy prevents HIV-related illness and disability and saves lives. Antiretroviral therapy also has a prevention benefit. The evidence is now clear that people living with HIV with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV sexually,” DrGilada said.
 
According to the UNAIDS and WHO, "HIV treatment works best when taken as prescribed. Missing doses and stopping and re-starting treatment can lead to drug resistance, which can allow HIV to multiply and progress to disease."
 
“We appeal to the government of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and NACO to expedite work towards ending stockouts - once and for all. Also, a minimum dispensation of 1-month medicines as demanded by the people living with HIV should be happening across the country. Government guidelines 2018 recommend dispensing three months’ supply, a goal we should work towards and make it a reality as soon as possible to boost adherence and trust people have in public healthcare and systems,” he added.
 
There is no scope for complacency if we are to keep the promises enshrined in National Health Policy of Government of India (2017), India HIV/AIDS Act 2017, and UN SDGs, stated ASI president.
 
ASI experts are willing to voluntarily share their expertise with NACO to bolster India's HIV prevention and treatment programme as per the latest scientific evidence and guidelines, he opined.PharmaBiz