mmegi

Injectable ARVs give hope to fighting HIV

Big leap: The injectable ARV provides significant to HIV patients PIC: ILOVEAFRICA.COM
Big leap: The injectable ARV provides significant to HIV patients PIC: ILOVEAFRICA.COM

The announcement that government will roll out an injectable ARV, has brought hope and smiles to people living with HIV. The thought of not having to take an ARV pill every day is a dream come true to many. Mmegi correspondent NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE writes

The Minister of Health (MoH) Edwin Dikoloti announced that Botswana has approved the use of injectable anti-retroviral drugs to improve adherence to HIV treatment, becoming just the second country in Africa to do so. Taking a pill every day at a particular time is not only emotionally draining to people living with HIV but also an inconvenience to others. Many people have defaulted due fear of discrimination and stigma, as well other personal circumstances which make taking a pill every day inconvenient.

The injectable ARV can be taken once every two months, meaning just six injections, as opposed to the daily ARV pill.

Editor's Comment
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

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