Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Ministry of Health and Social Services announced that a more effective medicine for suppressing the viral load in children living with HIV and AIDS has been rolled out in July. The medicine is known as pediatric Dolutegravir (pDTG) or as Dolutegravir 10mg (DTG 10mg).
The health ministry’s Executive Director, Ben Nangombe in a statement said that the medicine, until recently was only used for the older population and was not available for young children as the medicine did not come in smaller doses.
“The 10mg version is now available which provides the right treatment for young children aged between four weeks up to five-year-olds. With the introduction of pDTG, Namibia will transition from the Lopinavir granules formulation which is currently given to children to pDTG which is proven to be more effective,” Nangombe said.
The medicine comes in tablet form, which is dissolved in measured water and is taken once a day as opposed to Lopinavir granules which are taken twice a day. He said the medicine also tastes better, making it easier for children to consume.
“The ministry is busy with the logistical roll-out to make sure that this medicine is available at all health facilities across the country. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to enquire with health care workers at nearest health facilities about this new and improved medicine,” Nangombe concluded.
