New ARV pill a boon for women: iLIVE

11 April 2013 - 02:36 By Maggie Govender, chair, KZN health portfolio committee, by e-mail
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The introduction of a single dose tablet in the treatment of HIV must be welcomed ("Simplified ARV tablet rolled out", April 8). Despite the campaign to destigmatise HIV/Aids, it remains a social taboo and those who are infected are often ostracised.

Women in particular suffer the brunt of stigmatisation that renders it difficult for them to sustain an antiretroviral regime of three tablets a day and the attendant side effects.

The introduction of a single dose antiretroviral tablet will certainly make it easier for women to embark on and sustain treatment for Aids.

The lower cost of the single-dose tablet is welcome news.

There are currently just over 1million people who are on antiretroviral treatment.

In this instance, let us congratulate the minister of health for this initiative that will certainly contribute to improving the quality of life of HIV-positive people.

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