Tanzania has received its first shipment of Naltrexone, a medicine used to treat alcohol dependence, in a move expected to expand access to treatment for people struggling with excessive drinking.
The Medical Stores Department (MSD) confirmed yesterday that it had received and imported the initial consignment following collaboration with the Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital.
The medicine will be coordinated and distributed through Mirembe, while MSD will continue procuring Naltrexone for the hospital, according to MSD Communications and Public Relations Manager Etty Kusiluka.
The development follows a directive issued earlier this month by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, who instructed MSD to speed up the availability of Naltrexone tablets.
Dr Magembe issued the directive during training on the use of the medicine organised by the Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital.
Naltrexone is used in the treatment of alcohol dependence and can help reduce alcohol cravings and the risk of relapse when prescribed and used under medical supervision.
The arrival of the medicine gives public health facilities access to an additional treatment option for alcohol dependence, an issue that can affect individuals, families and communities.
MSD said the shipment forms part of a longer-term arrangement with Mirembe to strengthen the availability of products used in the management of alcohol dependence.
The department described the arrival of the first consignment as an important step in strengthening mental health and addiction treatment services in the country.
However, access to the medicine will be coordinated through the designated health system, with patients expected to receive treatment under professional medical guidance rather than self-medication.
MSD said the procurement programme would continue to ensure Naltrexone remains available for the Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital.