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The government has dismissed claims by Kasama Member of Parliament, Sibongile Mwamba, that Northern Province is experiencing a shortage of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs.
Speaking at a media briefing in Kasama on Friday, Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu assured the nation that the province has an adequate supply of ARVs.
He stated that 60,593 clients were currently on first-line treatment, including 58,661 adults over 15 years and 1,932 children under 15.
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Additionally, 168 clients—158 adults and 10 children—are on second-line treatment.
“The province’s stock levels can sustain first-line treatment for over three months and second-line treatment for more than two months,” Mpundu said.
He further revealed that Kasama District had a surplus stock lasting over nine months, while Kasama General Hospital’s supply for second-line patients is sufficient for over 15 months.
“I want to assure the public that we have enough ARV drugs in Northern Province, and there is no need for panic,” he emphasized.
Mpundu urged the lawmaker to verify facts before making statements that could cause unnecessary alarm among the public.
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