Distribution of ARVs commences in Homa Bay County – KBC

HIV patients in Homa Bay County can now breathe a sigh of relief after distribution of Anti- Retroviral (ARVs) drugs by various health facilities in the county commenced.

The patients can now receive the drugs from health facilities all over the county as the delay in their supply resulting in shortages lasting for more than two months came to an end.

HIV infected patients have been suffering from the shortage of ARVs following a delay in supply of the drugs to health centers which was caused by a stalemate between the Government and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) over tax issues.

The shortage forced health facilities to give HIV patients drugs to sustain them for two weeks than the normal period which is between three to six months’ supply per patient.

The County Deputy Coordinator for AIDS and STIs Justus Ochola confirmed that the distribution of ARVs to various health facilities in the county began on Monday and only 15 health facilities are yet to receive their consignments.

He said that HIV patients will now receive drugs lasting for three months to cut the cost of transport they have been using every two weeks to get the drugs. He said, “A single packet contains doses that will sustain a patient for 90 days.”

Ochola expressed optimism that the drugs received will boost the fight against HIV/AIDS in the county.