Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) want the Government to provide a subsidy for drugs to treat 'opportunistic infections'.
Kemesha*, a counsellor and PLWHA, explained that HIV breaks down the immune system and allows for other 'opportunistic infections' such as pneumonia, colds, flu, among other illnesses, to arise frequently.
The Government currently subsidises anti-retrovirals (ARVs) for PLWHAs. ARVs are specific medications used to prevent HIV from damaging the immune system. HIV attacks CD4 cells that play a major role in maintaining the body's immune system. PLWHAs pay the subsidised rate of $1,000 for the drugs. Those who cannot afford the cost get it free.
But Kemesha says the inability to afford the other drugs prevents persons from taking their ARVs properly.
Contacted yesterday, Dr. Kevin Harvey, HIV/AIDS specialist in the Ministry of Health, said there are no plans afoot to subsidise other drugs for HIV-positive. According to him, there is already a system in place for persons who cannot afford medication to get a waiver at health centres across the island.
However, Kemesha told The Gleaner that some health centres still require that persons pay half the cost of the drugs.
* Name changed to protect identity.
