Faizel Patel – Cii News & Agencies (19-07-12)

An anti-Aids drug approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has sparked new hope amongst activists in stemming the spread of HIV. Truvada has been approved as a preventative drug, but South African health authorities are yet to decide if it will be used for that purpose.

Although a breakthrough, NGO’s are concerned that the drug will obnubilate the message of South Africa’s safe sex campaign saying that condoms remain the most reliable preventative measure against HIV.

South Africa had many so called “cures” for HIV. These ranged from vegetables to deadly herbal concoctions.  Now a drug which is being dispensed as an ARV and can be used to prevent new infections. Truvada is said to lessen the risks in healthy people by upto 94%.

Currently available in South Africa, Truvada is only prescribed to those who are infected. Before it can be used by people to practice safe sex, the drug will first have to be registered.

According to the health department its not going to be an easy decision to approve the drug as condom distribution remains the most effective prevention campaign.

Dr. Francesca Conradie from the HIV Clinicians Society has warned, the drug is not a “one size fits all” and it’s not a contraceptive. Its a anti-retroviral agent, two medicines in one and has no effect on fertility at all, and should not be taken to prevent pregnancy.

Faizel143@vodamail.co.za