USAID donates trucks to transport antiretroviral drugs

Santo Domingo.- The US Govt., through itsAgency for International Development (USAID), on Tuesday donated two trucks tothe National Health Service (SNS) to transport antiretroviral drugs and HIVsupplies, as well as other essential medicines for first level care.

USAID director Arthur Brown, who handed thekeys to SNS director Dr. Nelson Rodríguez Monegro, said the two Isuzu trucks featurea refrigerated box. "These trucks will improve the supply chain ofessential drugs, facilitating the timely supply of necessary items to guaranteethe health of thousands of Dominicans."

He said the donation is under the country’sassistance to the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to thePublic Health Ministry, which initiated its new strategy to control the spreadof the virus. "HIV in high-risk populations at selected facilities inOctober this year."

"Brown congratulated the Dominicangovernment for its commitment to ensuring the high quality of clinical servicesand stressed their pride in contributing to the goal through this donation,"the USAID said in an emailed statement.

He also acknowledged the Dominican government’sefforts to allocate RD $ 590 million for the purchase of antiretroviral drugsin 2017. These resources will provide antiretroviral treatment to around 43,000people living with HIV.