Department of Health starts rolling out fixed-dose combination antiretrovirals
8 April 2013
The Department of Health will start rolling out the fixed-dose combination (FDC) antiretrovirals (ARV) across the country this month.
The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi formally launched the programme on 8 April 2013 at Phedisong 4 Clinic - Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria.
The FDC ARV is a single tablet which contains a combination of tenofovir (TDF), emtricitabine (FTC) and efavirenz (EFV), which helps reduce pill burden.
The national roll-out of FDC ARVs is a lifesaver which will lead to fewer people dying of Aids related illnesses.
There are currently about 1.9 million patients on ARV treatment in South Africa.
Who will get the FDC antiretrovirals?
- Most people who learn that they are HIV positive for the first time and who need to take ARVs can take one combination pill (FDC) once a day.
- Pregnant women who are HIV positive
- HIV positive women who are breastfeeding their babies
- Some HIV-positive people may not be able to take the one combination ARV pill because their condition may be more complicated.
Other patients currently on ARVs will be switched to the Fixed Dose Combination after clinical assessment by their health care providers.
SA News
Fixed dose combination ARVs rolled out
Speeches and statements
Minister Aaron Motsoaledi launches Fixed Dose Combination Pill, 8 April
Documents
- Adult Art Flowchart
- Paediatric Art Flowchart
- PMTCT Art Flowchart
- Fixed-dose combination (FDC)poster
- What to tell pregnant and breastfeeding women about fixed-dose combination ARVs
- What to tell new patients about fixed-dose combination ARVs
- Fact sheet for civil society and the PLHIV sector
- How to prevent unborn babies from contracting HIV infection
