Editorials

EDITORIAL: Explain HIV drugs racket

drugs

SULFRAN-DS 960MG TABLETS, RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | NMG

Reports that donated HIV medication is being sold in black markets yet again represent the ugliest side of Kenya.

READ: USAid’s free HIV drugs stolen, sold in Nairobi

It is baffling how it is possible that such essential drugs can be stolen from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) stores to be sold illegally by unlicensed outlets. It is sickening that drugs clearly marked ‘Not for Resale’ are peddled in Nairobi with no consequences to the perpetrators.

It is even more astounding that drugs that are banned in other markets because of the risks they pose, including possible fatalities, are sold in Kenya without difficulty.

Kenya is already a haven of fake drugs that pose mortal risks to unsuspecting users and the distribution of free drugs by Kemsa was meant to help ameliorate the situation.

But alas! The same government agency appears to be complicit or clueless.

This is a grievous situation that needs firm and rapid response because it poses existential threat to a large population.

Kemsa must explain how the drugs is being pilfered, sold, and whether its employees are involved.

More than that, Kemsa should be made to account for the unethical practices through punitive measures.

READ: Kenya rolls out plan to cut cost of HIV drugs

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