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Thandeka Moyo, Health Reporter
THE Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has urged Government to prioritise the procurement of second line antiretrovirals whose availability has been affected by shortages of foreign currency.

In a statement, CWGH executive director Mr Itai Rusike said if the situation is not addressed urgently, the country will end up losing some of the gains achieved over the years.

The shortages will definitely compromise the health of about 35 percent of the estimated one million people on second line treatment as they will default on taking their medication.

“Limited availability of ARVs impedes patient initiation, adherence and poses a major barrier to the fight against HIV/Aids,” said Mr Rusike.

The shortage of second line ARVs come at a time when the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of drug resistant HIV as an emerging threat in developing countries.

Nac board chairperson Dr Everisto Marowa recently said while resources have been set aside for the procurement of ARVs and other related products, the actual procurement has been adversely affected by foreign currency shortages.

@thamamoe