In 2021, approximately 238 000 children were living with HIV in South Africa, a number reported by Spotlight in July.
Strawberry-flavoured paediatric antiretrovirals (ARVs) are just the latest way the medical world is attempting to bridge the gap when successfully treating HIV-positive children, with the medication set to arrive in South Africa soon, as IOL shares.
According to News24, the ARVs currently being used for children don’t have the greatest taste with many kids vomiting or spitting out the foul-tasting medication.
Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for children to receive this life-saving medication.
The introduction of these new ARVs will ensure that children are able to receive treatment. This medication is a fantastic way to treat children with HIV and the improved paediatric formulations will make a huge difference, says senior paediatric advisor at Right to Care, Dr Leon Levin:
“They are very effective and taste great. We will be able to better control HIV in children and enable them to live normal, long, healthy lives. This is very good news for all HIV-positive children.”
Not only will children taking this medication look forward to a long life, but they won’t pass HIV on to their partners and children when they grow up.
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