“You are likely to develop resistance to these ARVs,” he said. “In the future if you need them, then you’ll find this ARV is not working for some.”
Around 1.4 million people in Uganda are living with HIV/Aids, according to the United Nations.
The NDA’s report back in 2014, found that anti-retrovirals were mainly used to treat African swine fever which is also known as Pig Ebola and currently has no cure. It also verified claims that ARVs were being used to treat Newcastle disease in chicken.
Following Mr Atumanya’s remarks, however, a spokesman for the NDA defended its decision to not publicise its findings.
“The NDA is mandated to regulate the drugs, not food or animal feeds,” he said.
“If there was any public health threat concerning the drugs under the use, NDA will be the first one to come out and warn the public as we always do.
“The NDA remains vigilant and committed to ensuring that Ugandans have access to safe, efficacious and quality medicines.”
He added that the regulator had launched several actions to stop the misuse of drugs, which led to several arrests and prosecution.
