Zimbabwe’s significant progress in HIV treatment is under threat from emerging resistance to dolutegravir (DTG), a key life-saving drug used in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
Over 1.2 million people in Zimbabwe are currently on ART, representing around 90% of those living with HIV.
However, the rising cases of resistance to DTG pose a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s progress in managing HIV, putting at risk the country’s hard-won gains in treatment and prevention.
In an interview with an <a href="https://www.263chat.com/zimbabwe-faces-new-challenge-in-hiv-treatment-as-resistance-to-dolutegravir-dtgemerges/">online publication</a>, Dr Cleophas Chimbetete, Director of Training and Research at Newlands Clinic, said that there is an urgent need to discuss future treatment options after the third-line ART regimen, in light of increasing resistance.
He said Zimbabwe’s HIV treatment guidelines are based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which continues to inform the country’s approach to managing HIV care. Said Chimbetete:
<blockquote>
These guidelines recommend that individuals testing HIV-positive start a combination of three medicines, known as first-line ART.
If the virus becomes resistant to these medicines, patients are switched to second-line ART, and subsequently to third-line ART if necessary.
We’re beginning to see resistance to Dolutegravir… previously, the need for guidance on what to do after third-line treatment failure wasn’t there, but now we need to start having that conversation.
</blockquote>
Dr. Chimbetete stressed the need for research on DTG resistance, updated national guidelines for post-third-line treatment failure, ongoing healthcare worker training, and improved patient adherence.
As a member of the Zimbabwe HIV Clinicians Society, he is actively addressing these issues.
The Society, alongside healthcare professionals and stakeholders, recognizes the urgency of action to meet Zimbabwe’s commitment to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95% of HIV-positive individuals knowing their status, 95% on treatment, and 95% achieving viral suppression.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwe has made good progress in treating HIV with many people on medicine. But some people are becoming resistant to a key drug, making treatment harder. Doctors are worried and want to find new ways to help. They follow advice from the World Health Organization. Doctors say more research is needed, and they are working hard to help patients stay healthy. Everyone is working together to reach targets for HIV care. The goal is for 95% of HIV-positive people to know their status, be on treatment, and have the virus under control.

Zimbabwe's HIV Treatment Progress Threatened By Resistance To ARVs

The United States has started to supply Zimbabwe with the new HIV drug that was approved in 2013, The Chronicle reports.
According to the Chronicle, the US has supplied 2,1 million bottles of Dolutegravir (DTG), which is a new antiretroviral drug with better results in viral suppression and has fewer side effects.
In a statement about the drug supplier USAID said:
<blockquote>The United States Government USAID’s supply chain and procurement project has delivered 2,1 million bottles of Tenofovir Lamivudine Dolutegravir (TLD) to support the transition to this new treatment regiment.</blockquote>
According to the ministry of health, 90% of HIV infected people in Zimbabwe are on treatment.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/united-states-supplies-new-hiv-drug-to-zimbabwe/#">The Chronicle</a>

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