Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS treatment programme has received a boost by the donation of 2nd Line treatment drugs to help patients who may benefit from the drugs. NACA Director-General, Prof. John Idoko while receiving the drugs stated that about 10% of the overall treatment programme involves individuals requiring 2nd Line therapy. He also took cognizance that the new drugs may be taken once as opposed to twice a day previously.

In his remarks at the brief donation ceremony, Mr. U. Devbalaji - Director, HIV/AIDS Initiatives, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited – stated that the company will be supporting 50 patients for six months in Nigeria. He said the gesture is part of their initiative to sensitise the public about the treatment drugs.

Mr Edward Ogbenyi, Coordinator of the Abuja Chapter of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) requested for the extension of the treatment support programme offered by the company for at least one year in view of the costs associated with the drugs. It was noted that the drugs are safe for pregnant women, have been duly registered with NAFDAC (the food and drugs control authority) and that adherence to treatment regimen is key to get good results from HIV/AIDS treatment drugs.

Present at the event were NACA’s Partnership Director, Hajia Maimuna Muhammed and Deputy Director for Corporate Communications, Mr Sam Archibong.