KAMPALA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has procured Septrin, a critical drug used to fight opportunistic infections among people living with HIV in a bid to address a six month shortage in the country.
Sarah Opendi, minister of state for health, told parliament that the National Medical Stores has procured enough antibiotic Septrin that is used to treat and fight conditions like flu, malaria, diarrhea and tuberculosis.
"We have (now) adequate medicines and enough Septrin in the country. The National Medical Stores are fully stocked with drugs including the polio vaccines and Septrin," said Opendi.
The country has since January been facing a shortage of the drug especially at public health facilities.
The shortage according to the ministry of health was due to funding challenges in the delivery by the manufacturers and suppliers.
At least 1.4 million people are living with HIV in the East African country, according to the ministry of health figures. The Ugandan government gives the drug free of charge to people living with HIV.
