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The Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has warned livestock keepers to stop using HIV drugs, known as ARVs, to make animals gain weight.
In a public notice issued on September 21, 2024, TMDA said it has received reports that some farmers are using ARVs, which are meant for treating people living with HIV, to fatten their animals. TMDA says this is very dangerous to human health.
“These drugs are only for treating people with HIV and must be used under a doctor’s advice. Giving them to animals is wrong and can harm people who eat meat from those animals,” TMDA said in the statement.
The authority strongly warned against this illegal practice and said it can lead to serious problems, including people becoming resistant to important medicines. The drugs can also remain in the animal’s meat and cause harm to people who eat it.
TMDA is now asking all livestock farmers who are doing this to stop immediately. The authority has also started inspecting farms, livestock markets, and slaughterhouses to find out who is using ARVs in animals. Anyone found breaking the law will face legal action.
“If we find animals that have been given these drugs, we will stop their meat and other products from being sold,” the statement said.
TMDA has asked the public to help by reporting anyone who is using human medicines to feed animals. People can report such cases to TMDA’s offices in Dodoma or other regional offices in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya, Songea, Tabora, and Geita.
Reports can be sent by email to info@tmda.go.tz or by calling the toll-free number 0800110084. TMDA promises to take quick action and keep all reports confidential.
Using HIV drugs on animals not only puts people at risk, but it also damages the fight against diseases like HIV. Medicines should be used for the right purpose, and giving human medicine to animals is dangerous and unacceptable.
TMDA is working hard to make sure that all medicines and medical tools in Tanzania are used correctly and safely. The authority is asking everyone including farmers, health workers, and the public to help stop this harmful habit.
