NIGERIA: Fresh anti-AIDS drug supply on its way

Nigerian AIDS activists recently expressed concern that the country's antiretroviral shortfall could have "disastrous consequences" for HIV-positive people already on treatment.

However, 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 were currently receiving low-cost medication.

According to the Pan African News Agency, Nigeria had already ordered a new batch of antiretroviral drugs worth over US $36 million to help replenish the depleted stock.

Under a pilot programme in 2002, 25 centres were established across the country to administer the drugs to 10,000 adults and 5,000 children at highly subsidised rates.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Children,

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