Experts warn that sharing or misusing ARVs can contribute to drug resistance and threaten people who rely on these treatments.
By Mapaballo Borotho and Andile Khuzwayo

HIV medication, known as antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), has become widely available and has transformed the lives of millions of people living with HIV.
However, the availability of these life-changing treatments, including through illegal channels such as the black market, has raised concerns about people accessing and using ARVs outside their intended purpose.
ARVs were introduced as a treatment that suppresses the HI Virus and have contributed significantly to improving health outcomes, particularly in countries heavily affected by HIV and AIDS.
The availability of these medicines through illegal markets has exposed several concerning ways in which ARVs are being misused.
How ARVs become available on the black market remains unclear. However, research from the University of Pretoria has suggested that some HIV-positive patients may have had their medication stolen, while others may have sold their prescribed treatment.
This infographic explores some of the common ways ARVs are misused by members of the public:

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