The Ministry of Health announced that Dolutegravir (DTG) will be used as the most preferred drug for HIV victims even to women of reproductive age.
DTG was perceived to cause deformities in unborn children.
The ministry acted upon an update by the World Health Organization (WHO) which in July, argued that the drug has high efficiency, tolerability and a high genetic barrier to resistance.
Dr Wekesa Masasabi, the acting director-general of health pointed out that the drug, DTG should be given first priority among all the people except children.
He noted that the drug is safe for adults and adolescents, including girls and women of childbearing age, who are living with HIV.
“Following the updated WHO guidance issued in December and further guidance in July, the ministry, in consultation with various stakeholders including representatives of women living HIV is issuing this updated statement on use of DTG in women and adolescent girls in Kenya,” read Dr Masasabi’s statement to county health chiefs.
However, he cautioned that this drug should be taken with care during conception and the end of the first trimester period.
DTG, which is produced by an Indian pharmaceutical company, Aurobindo Pharma was introduced among Kenyans in 2017. Kenya became the first country in Africa to use the drug among its HIV victims.
The government has announced that the drug will now be free across all public hospitals and health facilities across the nation.