THE shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in Zululand has placed patients at life-threatening risk.
According to Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) Provincial Spokesperson Mzamo Zondi, the situation has reached crisis level.
‘These drug stock outs are becoming a headache which leads to the collapse of ARV treatment and ultimately people will die, which is a painful reality.’ Zondi said.
Affected healthcare facilities include eShowe Hospital, Mbongongolwane and Entumeni clinic.
In a statement released by the KZN Department of Health (DoH), the shortage was confirmed and attributed to supplier technicalities.
The statement also indicated the stock outs were of international concern and urgent remedial activities with suppliers are underway to address the identified challenges.
However, Zondi believes a change in supplier is the solution.
‘If there is a problem with the supplier then change it. It is as simple as that.’ Zondi said.
‘In a meeting with KZN Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, the TAC was told backlogged orders will be delivered as soon as possible.
‘What does that mean? It could be tomorrow or next year. We need dates.’ Zondi said.
According to statistics, 900 000 people are on HIV treatment in the province and in a survey conducted in 2014, one in five facilities in the province has reported shortages of ARV’s.
South Africa has the world’s largest AIDS treatment programme with over 2.4 million people on antiretroviral therapy as of mid-2014.
