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Concern over drug-resistant HIV strain

    JOHANNESBURG

    Zambian health officials have warned of the emergence of a drug-resistant HIV strain, following a study conducted at the University Teaching Hospital in the capital, Lusaka.

    Research shows that the failure to take medication as prescribed could lead to mutation of the HI virus, causing it to become resistant to the most commonly used anti-AIDS drugs.

    AIDS expert and former health minister, professor Nkandu Luo, told the UN news service, Plusnews, that the problem was "immediate and urgent" because of its implications for drug policies and the cost of health care.

    Luo said: "Drug resistance makes it difficult to treat patients ... if people are not getting better, we have to look at other options, which increases the cost of treatment. Zambia can barely afford to provide basic health care to its people - we do not need this additional burden."

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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