The great achievements made over the years in the fight against HIV are now under severe threat. The emergence of drug resistance poses a big challenge to HIV therapy and will erode the treatment gains.
This country has this year recorded 13,396 new HIV infections and 19,434 Aids-related deaths. Some 1.48 million people are living with HIV, reflecting a general downward trend in overall transmission. However, scientists have detected a troubling new trend in HIV drug resistance in Sub-Saharan Africa, adversely affecting treatment once considered reliable.
The National Syndemic Disease Control Council says mother‑to‑child transmission remains a major problem.
It is believed that it may partly be driven by drug resistance in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who may not have been taking their medication consistently. During a recent International Aids Society (IAS) summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, researchers reported drug resistance among HIV-positive people in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Lesotho. They have warned that if this continues, HIV transmissions will rise.
Long-term success
Patients resistant to drugs have weakened immunity, leaving them vulnerable to opportunistic infections and possible death. DTG has been the preferred first- and second-line HIV treatment drug since 2018. It is more effective, easier to take, and causes fewer side effects. It is also recognised for its strong genetic barrier against drug resistance.
Treatment interruptions threaten long-term success, prompting health authorities to push for stronger monitoring and patient support. Drug resistance occurs for several reasons, including patients missing or taking medicines late, allowing the virus to copy itself. Others are a lack of a steady supply of pills and the development of resistance to the virus.
There is a need for better tracking with the World Health Organisation and other agencies monitoring resistance patterns. Programmes using medicines with a high barrier to resistance should be promoted while working with patients to suppress viral loads.