Anti-HIV drug shortage risking lives : Activists
Source: The Sangai Express / Press Trust of India

Kohima, July 11 2013: Shortage of anti-HIV drug CD4 Count Reagent throughout the country is threatening the life of thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS as the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has stopped its supply since March this year, activists have alleged.

President of Indian Drug Users Forum (IDUF) Abu Mere said the CD4 count reagent which is essential for treatment of HIV is already out of stock in many states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and in the north-eastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh.

Demanding supply of the reagent, various NGOs in Nagaland joined the Naga Network of People Living with HIV Positive (NNP+) in holding protest at the office of Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima yesterday.

NNP+ president Naomi said that Nagaland is facing shortage of the reagent since the past four months risking the life of people living with HIV AIDs.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) demanding immediate supply of the reagent.

Mere said that they have already launched indefinite protest rally at the NACO office in New Delhi on Tuesday.

NSACS project director Dr Changkija said the state is facing shortage of CD4 reagent due to delay is release of funds from the Centre.

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