Health experts are urging more studies on the impact of HIV medications on women, citing severe side effects, particularly weight gain. Women are more likely to experience fat accumulation in the limbs and trunk, leading some to abandon treatment.
Speaking at the African Workshop on Women & HIV in Nairobi, Dr. Loice Ombajo of Kenyatta National Hospital highlighted cases where women gained up to 40kg after starting antiretroviral therapy. She emphasized the need for better drug transition strategies.
Kenya Medical Research Institute’s Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi stressed the importance of minimizing side effects and involving men in HIV treatment efforts. Kenya, with 1.4 million people living with HIV—890,747 of them women—is progressing towards UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2025.
