Source: South African Government (Pretoria)
About 315 health facilities in the North West province are ready to roll out the new Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) pill to HIV positive patients. The new pill, which is a combination of all three antiretroviral pills (emtricitabine, efavirenz and tenofovir),
will be administered to all newly diagnosed patients that are eligible to be put on ARV treatment, pregnant women and HIV positive breastfeeding mothers.
A significant number of clinical health professionals in the province have already been trained on FDC in preparation of the rollout of the new pill to eligible groups. Those currently receiving ARV treatment will be switched to a new pill at a later stage. Priority will be given to all stable patients and non-complicated patients after consultation with their clinicians.
The pill is easy to take, highly effective with fewer or no side effects and in no way inferior to taking three individual drugs.
Health MEC, Dr. Magome Masike is confident that health officials will execute the rollout with due diligence and communicate the rollout to those currently receiving treatment. "The introduction of fixed dose combination pill will definitely improve adherence to treatment and reduce the risk of patients defaulting treatment." Dr. Masike said.
The province is currently providing antiretroviral treatment to about 181 557 patients.