The fixed-dose drugs were launched in an Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Adherence Baseline Assessment Dissemination and Way Forward National Workshop.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Betru Tekle, Director General of FHAPCO said the integrated anti-AIDS activities being executed by FHAPCO in collaboration with the government and other stakeholders are bearing fruits.

The fixed-dose drugs, which is part of the national free HIV treatment program, is believed to transfer HIV treatment to a new stage.

Directive on the utilization of the fixed-dose drugs would be distributed along with the drugs, he said.

According to the Director General, the government has plans to increase the number of ART beneficiaries, which stand currently at over 100,000 to 200,000 till the end of 2009.

Mengisteab Woldearegay, Head of Planning, Drug Information and Organization Department with Drug Administration and Control Authority of Ethiopia (DACA) said the Authority has been executing several activities aiming at controlling the proper utilization of ART.

The head said the fixed-dose drugs would have a lot of contribution in reducing the daily amount of pills taken by ART beneficiaries.

Also on the occasion, the Aids Resource Center has launched publication materials on HIV/AIDS treatment including brochures and posters, which are believed to have significant contribution in improving the HIV treatment in the country.

The publication materials entitled “Daily for Life” would be distributed among ART beneficiaries and service providers.

A survey of Adherence to ARV Medicine in Ethiopia aiming at identifying the approaches for adherence monitoring being used by major HIV/AIDS systems of care that provide or support the provision of ART services and estimate achieved rates was also presented in the course of the workshop.

The survey was jointly prepared by DACA, International Network for the Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD) and the Rational Pharmaceutical Management Plus Program (RPM Plus).

Assignment: 8:56-11:00 AM

R: 12:04-12:48 PM

E-3:33 PM

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