On 10th July 2024, the National AIDS Commission (NAC) and the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) issued a joint press statement, warning against the malpractice of advertising drugs purported to be cure for HIV without confirmation and permit from the two Government Institutions.
Recent social media posts have seen numerous adverts of fake HIV medication being marketed by some ill minded individuals. Unfortunately, some unsuspecting clients (People living with HIV) have fallen prey to these adverts and ended discontinuing or interrupting on antiretroviral therapy (ART) thereby risking viral rebound, immune decompensation, and/or clinical progression.
In her remarks, Dr. Beatrice Matanje, Chief Executive Officer for NAC, urged people living with HIV to adhere to ARVs for them to stay healthy and that any information on new HIV medication should be verified by her institution before being used. This is the mandate that is conferred to the Commission by the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Management) Act #9 of 2018.
The PMRA Director General, Mr Mphatso Kawaye concurred with the NAC CEO that all adverts on medicines in Malawi needs to follow proper accreditation processes. Anyone who is found making adverts on any medication including fake HIV cure will be prosecuted with relevant laws on the land including the PMRA Act #9 of 2019.
The press statement was read in English and Chichewa.
Full statement below;
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