Neverapine syrup, an HIV drug for children, has runs out in Livingstone

The Zambian Network of People Living with HIV (NZP+) in Livingstone says Nevirapine Syrup has run out at three health centers in the tourist capital.

Meanwhile, the Network says the Center was administering the tablet form of the drug to the HIV positive children.

NZP+ District Coordinator Lloyd Bwalya said Maramba, Libuyu and Mahatma Gandhi clinics had run out of the Nevirapine Syrup for children and only had stocks for adults.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Livingstone today, Mr. Bwalya said his organization worked closely with the clinics and was aware of the situation on the ground.

He attributed the absence of the syrup at the affected clinics to the people in charge not ordering the drug on time and appealed to the authorities not to play with human life.

And NZP+ Programs Officer for Livingstone, Susan Kekelwa said she had liaised with the pharmacy in the district today (Friday) and confirmed that Nevirapine Syrup was out of stock.

“I was told that there was a truck that was coming to the district with the drug but as of this morning there is nothing and the babies are being given tablets for adults which the parents have to crush. I normally work with Maramba Clinic and I can confirm that there is no Nevirapine Syrup,” she said.

But when contacted for a comment, Livingstone District Community Medical Officer Dr Cliff Hara said Nevirapine Syrup was available.

“What I know is we have always had it. In fact we are expecting a truck from Choma to bring more stocks of the drug,” he said.

Dr Hara stated that Livingstone was hit with a shortage of Nevirapine in the past, but said that was no longer the case.