Fight Against HIV: South Africa’s Government Says Anti-HIV Jab is Expensive | NC Now | 17-11-23
Host: Adebola Adedugba
Guest: Mia Malan Executive Director, Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, Johannesburg, South Africa
Affordability Concerns Arise Over ViiV Healthcare's Anti-HIV Jab in South Africa
In South Africa, the health department has expressed reservations over the newly announced nonprofit price of R540 to R570 per shot for ViiV Healthcare's anti-HIV jab. This two-monthly injection is considered more than four times what the health department can afford to pay. Despite a notable price drop, the Health Department deems the anti-HIV injection too expensive, raising concerns about its accessibility.
The anti-HIV jab, produced by the UK-based drug company, is administered every two months and is designed to significantly reduce the risk of infection. If taken consistently every eight weeks, the medication, containing the antiretroviral drug cabotegravir, is believed to virtually eliminate the chances of contracting HIV through sexual transmission.
The affordability challenge highlights the complexities surrounding access to crucial medications for HIV prevention in the region. The health department's stance underscores the need for continued efforts to make essential healthcare interventions more accessible and affordable to effectively combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa.
Follow News Central On:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsCentralAfrica
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewsCentralTV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newscentraltv
For more content, go to: https://newscentral.africa
Affordability Concerns Arise Over ViiV Healthcare's Anti-HIV Jab in South Africa | NC Now | 17-11-23
#NewsCentral #AfricaFirst #Africa #News #Politics
