72,000 more to get free AIDS drugs
Sep 03, 2010
AN additional 72,000 Ugandans living with HIV/AIDS will be enrolled for free antiretroviral (ARV) treatment over the next two years, following increased American funding.
By Hilary Bainemigisha
AN additional 72,000 Ugandans living with HIV/AIDS will be enrolled for free antiretroviral (ARV) treatment over the next two years, following increased American funding.
The US ambassador Jerry P. Lanier announced yesterday that funding for Uganda under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) would be increased significantly beyond the current annual budget of $280m.
“These new funds, invested over a two-year period, will increase enrollment of new patients on ARVs by at least 36,000 this year, with an additional 36,000 Ugandan patients next year. This means that by 2012, the American people plan to directly support more than 250,000 Ugandans on ARVs,†he said.
He said the new funds would immediately go to purchase a shipment of ARVs for the National Medical Stores and Joint Medical Stores. This will enable them to quickly distribute the drugs to Government and non-profit clinics and hospitals to bridge the gap until Global Fund drugs arrive.
PEPFAR is currently funding more than 70% of the entire response to HIV and AIDS in Uganda. The development is a great relief to Ugandan patients, many of whom have been kept on the waiting list at HIV/AIDS clinics due to shortage of antiretroviral drugs.
Ambassador Lanier noted that even with this enormous contribution from the US, the demand for HIV and AIDS services, especially ARVs, is rapidly outpacing the ability to deliver them to those who are in need.
“The gap between supply and demand means many Ugandans are unable to get life-saving ARVs when they need them. The need for ARVs is immediate; and the solution to this crisis requires both short-term and long-term solutions.â€
There are 110,000 new estimated infections every year according to the Ministry of Health. PEPFAR communications officer at the US Embassy, Lynne McDermott, said out of the current 200,000 Ugandans taking ARVs, 180,000 are supported by the US.
The remaining 20,000 either buy the ARVs themselves, are supported by Government, or their employers. The US is currently investing $280m annually in Uganda to fight HIV. Since 2004, the total investment is $1.4b.
“Addressing Uganda’s long-term HIV and AIDS needs a renewed commitment from the people, the Government, Global Fund and other donors.
The US Government is not and cannot be the only source of funding for Uganda’s HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment efforts,†McDermott said.
AN additional 72,000 Ugandans living with HIV/AIDS will be enrolled for free antiretroviral (ARV) treatment over the next two years, following increased American funding.
The US ambassador Jerry P. Lanier announced yesterday that funding for Uganda under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) would be increased significantly beyond the current annual budget of $280m.
“These new funds, invested over a two-year period, will increase enrollment of new patients on ARVs by at least 36,000 this year, with an additional 36,000 Ugandan patients next year. This means that by 2012, the American people plan to directly support more than 250,000 Ugandans on ARVs,†he said.
He said the new funds would immediately go to purchase a shipment of ARVs for the National Medical Stores and Joint Medical Stores. This will enable them to quickly distribute the drugs to Government and non-profit clinics and hospitals to bridge the gap until Global Fund drugs arrive.
PEPFAR is currently funding more than 70% of the entire response to HIV and AIDS in Uganda. The development is a great relief to Ugandan patients, many of whom have been kept on the waiting list at HIV/AIDS clinics due to shortage of antiretroviral drugs.
Ambassador Lanier noted that even with this enormous contribution from the US, the demand for HIV and AIDS services, especially ARVs, is rapidly outpacing the ability to deliver them to those who are in need.
“The gap between supply and demand means many Ugandans are unable to get life-saving ARVs when they need them. The need for ARVs is immediate; and the solution to this crisis requires both short-term and long-term solutions.â€
There are 110,000 new estimated infections every year according to the Ministry of Health. PEPFAR communications officer at the US Embassy, Lynne McDermott, said out of the current 200,000 Ugandans taking ARVs, 180,000 are supported by the US.
The remaining 20,000 either buy the ARVs themselves, are supported by Government, or their employers. The US is currently investing $280m annually in Uganda to fight HIV. Since 2004, the total investment is $1.4b.
“Addressing Uganda’s long-term HIV and AIDS needs a renewed commitment from the people, the Government, Global Fund and other donors.
The US Government is not and cannot be the only source of funding for Uganda’s HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment efforts,†McDermott said.