44pc AIDS patients skip medicines due to economic strain

A recent survey conducted by the Society for AIDS Care has revealed that 44 percent of patients faced difficulties in adhering to their medication regimens over the past six months due to economic challenges.

Among the affected patients, 50 years old or above who are in a poor financial situation have worse conditions than other age groups. 

A total of 70 percent of the 54 surveyed AIDS patients also reported experiencing significant disruptions in their daily lives due to financially strained situations. 

Board member of the organization Jonpaul Zee Sze-tsing said the results reflect that AIDS patients are less willing to accept medical treatment when they are under economic pressure. 

He urges patients who are in need to seek the organization’s help. 

He noted that AIDS is no longer a terminal disease and patients can also live a healthy life if they have their prescriptions on time. However, patients leaving their medicine out frequently could lead to drug resistance or even treatment failure. 

(Natasha Ng)