Most effective anti-retroviral drug in the world introduced in Kenya
The DTG pill need only be taken once a day making it more effective to use
DTG
Dolutegravir (DTG) is an anti-retroviral drug of choice for people living with HIV.
Costing between Ksh2000 -Ksh5000 per bottle of 30 pills, the drug is too costly for most of the people struggling with the disease.
That is why Unitaid, has now introduced a generic of the drug that should work just as effectively as the original. It will be retailing at Ksh 400.
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Speaking at the launch, Robert Matiru of Unitaid says that this is the most advanced anti-retroviral drug to be introduced in Africa and it's starting in Kenya.
He highlights the that the drug has two major benefits above the rest. The DTG pill need only be taken once a day making it more effective to use and fewer people are likely to develop resistance as the dose is manageable.
It also very cheap which in the long run works to reduce the costs of medicines treating AIDS, TB and Malaria.
According to statistics given by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015, over 37 million people in the world are living with HIV. 70% (25 Million ) are in Africa.
The drug is already being dispensed for freely to 27000 people in Kenya said to be intolerant of the current drug being used in the country.
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Later on during the year, the medicine will be availed to the rest of the country before it is also taken to Nigeria and Uganda.
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