The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has successfully decreased the wastage of antiretroviral therapy medication for HIV treatment, thanks to a collaborative agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This agreement, which received recent Cabinet approval, simplifies the procurement process for the medication.
Antiretroviral medication is essential for managing HIV infections in individuals. Dr. Rachel Devi, head of Family Health, emphasized that the agreement enhances the ministry’s purchasing power. She noted that when the number of patients on HIV medication is low, pharmaceutical companies often do not find it feasible to manufacture small quantities, which can lead to higher costs. The collaboration with UNDP allows the ministry to operate on a regional level, enabling more efficient procurement through a broader system.
Dr. Devi expressed confidence that the new approach would minimize wastage as the ministry can forecast needs more effectively. This flexible procurement strategy means they can request medications when required instead of ordering in bulk that may not be used.
Additionally, she mentioned that if Fiji has an excess of antiretroviral therapy, the surplus could be redistributed to other Pacific Island countries. The latest medication introduced, Dolutegravir (DTG), stands out for its ease of use; patients now often require just one tablet per day instead of multiple medications, significantly improving patient compliance and reducing side effects.