Voice of America - November 26, 2007
Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye
Washington

Some HIV-positive Zimbabweans fending off AIDS with the help of antiretroviral drugs say they have started to receive pharmaceuticals whose expiration date has passed, and express concern that such drugs may undermine their struggle to survive.

Justice Mapfumo of Bulawayo said he and others in the government program in which he is enrolled have been receiving expired antiretrovirals since last month.

He told reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that he hopes officials will address this issue as he fears his health may be on the line.

Washington-based HIV/AIDS research and policy consultant Frank Guni said it would be of considerable concern if Zimbabweans were receiving outdated drugs.

Taking antiretroviral drugs which have lost potency could promote the emergence of HIV strains which are resistant to those particular drugs, said Guni, urging those who are given outdated pharmaceuticals to seek the advice of a qualified physician.

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