WHO recommends use of innovative HIV drug

  1. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the use of the HIV drug dolutegravir(DTG) as the preferred first-line and second-line treatment for all populations.
  2. This drug can also be used for patients including pregnant women and those of childbearing potential.
  3. Dolutegravir(DTG) which is sold under the brand name Tivicay is an antiretroviral medication used together with other medication to treat HIV/AIDS. 
  4. Studies have shown that DTG is more effective,easier to take and has fewer side effects than alternative drugs.It also has a high genetic barrier to developing drug resistance which is important given the rising trend of resistance. 
  5. In 2019,82 low- and middle-income countries reported to be transitioning to DTG-based HIV treatment.The new recommendations aim at helping more nations improve their HIV policies.
  6. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), if not treated. There are two main types of the virus: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-2.
  7. At present there is no effective cure for HIV but HIV can be controlled. The medicine used to treat HIV is called antiretroviral therapy or ART.