Lancet reported in a new study that Drug-resistant HIV has been increasing in parts of sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade. Drug resistance could build up if people fail to stick to drug regimes.
Drug resistance HIV is a serious problem in Africa. Researchers reviewed 26,000 untreated HIV-positive people.
Drug resistant HIV rate
The researchers, from the World Health Organization (WHO) and University College London (UCL) found the most rapid increase in drug resistance occurred in East Africa, at 29% per year. In Southern Africa, it was 14% per year.
There was no change in resistance over time in Latin America and in West and Central Africa.
Dr. Silvia Bertagnolio from the WHO and Dr Ravindra Gupta at UCL said: “Without continued and increased national and international efforts, rising HIV drug resistance could jeopardise a decade-long trend of decreasing HIV/Aids-related illness and death in low- and middle-income countries.”
Drug resistance is a consequence of people not taking their medication properly. A basic measures could help people to better adhere to drug regimes in developing countries, such as access to food and clean water so they can take their drugs, and monitoring patients as effectively as possible.
Source: Lancet, UK