Supply of crucial drug for HIV+ kids runs low

The state is experiencing a shortage of the paediatric drug, Abakavir ZLN, used for treating HIV infected children.

According to sources in the Telangana Aids Control Society, Abakvir ZLN is very important as it helps to build immunity in the body and fight against infections. Its shortage is going to have a big impact because children tend to become weak and become more prone to infections.

The TSACS has alerted National Aids Control Organization (NACO) about the shortage and wants supplies to be resumed soon. A senior officer of TSACS explained, “There is a problem in the supply chain where the drugs have not been procured on time due to which there is a shortage in its supply to patients. NACO has been facing a fund crunch since past two years and its effects are becoming visible at ground level.”

The procuring of medicines is usually done every quarter.

There is also a shortage of second line of antibiotics which are required for a section of patients who have developed resistance to the first line of antibiotics. A senior doctor said, “These medicines have always been in short supply. We have been managing with other combination of drugs. But the current shortage is acute.”

In Hyderabad, more than 2,000 children registered with various nongovernment organizations for treatment opt for these medicines from Nilofar hospital.