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NIGERIA: AIDS drug shortage "disastrous" - activists

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 12 December (PLUSNEWS) - AIDS activists in Nigeria are concerned that the country's antiretroviral drug shortfall could have "disastrous consequences" for HIV-positive people already on treatment.

There are fears that the interruption in supplies since early December could lead to a build-up of resistance to the anti-AIDS drugs.

The government said it had already put more cash into the programme to ensure drug delivery to 25 centres countrywide, where between 12,000 and 14,000 people are currently receiving low-cost treatment.

However, in an interview with the London Financial Times, Pat Matemilola, coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, said supplies of the triple-combination treatment had definitely run out.

[ENDS]

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