‘Dearth of TB drugs may reverse gains of TB/HIV control’

Experts have expressed concern over the persistent dearth of anti-tuberculosis drugs in Nigeria, which could reverse the gains the nation had achieved on Tuberculosis and HIV control.
APIN’s Principal officer,  Professor David Olaleye, speaking at the quarterly meeting of  Oyo State TB/HIV working Group, stated that the dearth of anti-TB drugs, which started in July 2010. He urged State governments to make provisions for stop gaps to prevent loosing previous gains on TB/AIDS interventions.
Professor Olaleye, describing the dearth of tuberculosis drugs as the first major one experienced in Oyo State, described TB as serious public health issue that must be carefully handled.
At the meeting to chart a course for improving the joint TB/HIV collaborative activities to ensure optimal utilisation of the state’s free TB diagnosis and treatment as well as HIV counseling and testing services, Dr. Olubunmi Ayinde, the State AIDS Programme coordinator, said over 16,910 adults and children were registered for care and 8,899 adults and children started ARV treatment between January and July.
Read More:http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/health-news/11454-dearth-of-tb-drugs-may-reverse-gains-of-tbhiv-control