New treatment for children living with HIV/Aids

JEMIMA BEUKES WINDHOEKThe health ministry has expanded the roll-out of Dolutegravir, a treatment for children living with HIV/Aids, including 724 children under the age of four.In a statement yesterday, the ministry said until recently, the medication was used primarily for the adult population and was not available in smaller doses suitable for children.However, the 10 milligram is now available, which provides an effective treatment for young children aged between four weeks and five years.“With the introduction of the more effective Paediatric Dolutegravir (pDTG), Namibia will transition from the Lopinavir granules formulation which is currently given to children. The other benefits of pDTG are that it comes in tablet form which is dissolved in measured water and is taken once a day as opposed to Lopinavir granules taken twice a day.“The medicine also tastes better, which makes it easier to give to children and is easier for them to swallow,” the statement said. 90-90-90 targetsThe ministry is committed to ensure that this medicine is available at all facilities across the country and encouraged parents and caregivers to enquire about its availability with healthcare workers at their nearest health facilities.Namibia has been commended as a global example for its fight against HIV/Aids, especially for achieving the 90-90-90 targets which aims for 90% of all people living with HIV to know their status, 90% of those to be placed on treatment and 90% of those on treatment to have the virus suppressed.jemima@namibiansun.com

New treatment for children living with HIV/Aids

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-05

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New treatment for children living with HIV/Aids

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-05

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