Following our latest update on Sunday 13th December, we would like to bring more updates on the situation related to the shortage of life-saving HIV medication. As mature activists, we seek to be as prudent as possible in order to avoid unnecessary alarmism. We however remain conscious of the fact that only with full knowledge can patients, and society make informed conclusions and decisions about the acuteness of the situation we find ourselves in.
As a starting point, the situation remains to date unresolved, acute and very critical. This being at least the seventh day in which some patients have not have had any medication to control the HIV in their body, we cannot exclude that resistance and increase in viral load is already taking place;
New cases kept emerging throughout Sunday 13th December, Monday 14th December and Tuesday 15th December of people living with HIV who had not taken any medication for several days. Up till yesterday, activists were scouring the islands in search of medication without any assistance from the authorities;
So far, we understand that the medication that is out of stock is Abacavir, Kivexa, Raltegravir, Efavirenz and Tenofovir Alafenamide. We would like to renew our appeal for individuals who are able to spare extra medication they may have;
From an article on the Times of Malta, we understand that the current situation affects at least 50 patients. Considering the range of medication that remains out of stock, we estimate this figure to be conservative;
In the same article, a consultant who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed a concern over a very rushed transition to new medication to replace the medication that is currently out of stock. The consultant states that “switching patients’ current treatment to a new regimen should be gradual and could take months, especially in the circumstances.” It is practically impossible for consultants to safely transition 500 patients whose life depends on their current medication, over to new medication without the required tests, controls and follow-up;
As part of the constant communication we have with the authorities, a meeting has been set for early next week, which will be attended by the Health Ministry and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality. We however do not expect this crisis to drag on until the meeting takes place since that would be permanently detrimental to the health of the persons involved and also to public health;
On behalf of all activists, and in absence of clear public information and leadership from the authorities, we would like to thank all those who have come forward to provide us with knowledge about the current situation. We condemn those who according to public reports, use their healthcare profession to impede, rather than assist activists, who are operating on a purely voluntary basis in order to assist people whose lives are at risk.
Our plan for the next few days is to lobby as hard as we can on behalf of people living with HIV to procure the medication required. At this juncture, and should the position not improve quickly, we cannot exclude legal action. Our appeal remains for every single individual affected by mismanagement, averse and discriminatory attitude, and bad service including shortage of medication, to come forward immediately. Please communicate with us using HIV Malta’s social media platforms or website. If you feel more comfortable doing so, you can get in touch with arc - allied rainbow community or Checkpoint Malta.
