Child aids stats shock
South32 donates more than R1 million to Red Cross HIV and TB treatment programme.
LATEST statistics reveal that of the 91 013 patients on anti-retrovirals (ARVs) in the uThungulu District, 5 848 are children.
This according to Treatment Action Campaign provincial spokesperson Mzamo Zondi, who said an interruption in ARV treatment could have serious health consequences for patients.
Research released at the recent aids symposium in Durban revealed that 7.6% of the province’s children had started having sex before the age of 15 and despite aids-related deaths decreasing, they remained high among 10-19-year-olds.
Amid the alarming statistics, access to anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment has also been a problem.
Zondi said despite the government’s decision to roll out the provision of ARVs, a lack of planning meant temporary shortages and could signal future crises if problems were not dealt with.
‘For instance, a dose missed early can result in strong resistance to the drugs later, making them ineffective,’ Zondi told the Zululand Observer.
‘There are no substitutes for ARVs, which at present are imported.
‘About 78% of patients are on fixed dose combinations and the stock thereof is sufficient for one month.’ Zondi said.
Life-saving donation
In light of the serious plight, there was good news for patients on Friday when Richards Bay’s South32 in partnership with Red Cross in Empangeni donated more than R1-million towards the prevention, treatment, care and support of those infected and affected by the disease.
The cash injection will also be used to assist HIV/AIDS patients, who have contracted opportunistic diseases such as tuberculosis (TB).
It is estimated that one third of those living with the illness will develop TB.
