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  4. Malawi: HIV drugs used to ferment local gin

This topic has no replies. This topic was posted on 10-11-2009 15:13.

Malawi: HIV drugs used to ferment local gin

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  1. Posted on Thursday 12 November 2009 - 08:15
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    Madalitso Kateta, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
    The free anti-retroviral drugs being provided by the Malawian government are being used to ferment maize husks in the brewing process of a traditional gin - Kachasu. Zione Enock a Kachasu, a brewer from Thyolo revealed the ARVs are not only for brewing of the traditional gin but to feed their poultry too.
    antiretroviral drug
    Some brewers told AfricaNews the gin from the fermented ARV maize husk is very strong and matures quickly. Government officials have warned action would be taken against those involved especially in the southern region district of Thyolo.

    An Africa news investigation in the commercial city of Blantyre indicated that a bottle of free ARV was going at US$1.43 (K200.00) while a 60 tablet bottle of co-trimoxazole that is administered with ARV was selling at US$0.43 (K60.00).

    The Principal Secretary for Nutrition and HIV/AIDS in the Malawi office of the president and Cabinet, Dr Mary Shawa said the new developments were very worrisome as they could create a resistant form of virus.

    “It is very unfortunate that the drugs are going into wrong hands and being used in very bad ways,” said Shawa.

    The Malawian president Bingu Wa Mutharika warned that his government will deal with anyone found culpable.

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