HIV drug shortage not affecting patients - Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health says the shortage of Antiretroviral (ARV) medication, the drug used to treat persons living with HIV, is not affecting patients.
The ministry confirmed that two types of the ARVs, Alluvia and Abacavir, are currently in short supply.
It says the drugs were scheduled to arrive on the island in June but the deliveries are delayed.
However, the health ministry says substitute drugs are available for use by patients in the meantime.
The ministry says it is expecting a shipment of Alluvia and Abacavir within the next two to three weeks.
It says all other ARVs are adequately stocked.
The health ministry is assuring that it has procured adequate supplies for the 10,000 patients currently on HIV treatment as well as the projected 2,500 more to start treatment.