The government of Togo on Monday announced that it has begun distributing no-cost antiretroviral drugs through the network of the Central Supply of Essential and Generic Medicines, Reuters reports. Augustin Dokla, who represents a network of people living with HIV/AIDS, said that approximately 25,000 people will receive antiretrovirals through the program, up from 8,000 who currently have access to the drugs through CAMEG.

Reuters reports that antiretrovirals purchased privately cost between 3,000 and 25,000 CFA francs, or about $47.53, monthly. In order to receive the no-cost drugs, patients have to register with local medical committees.

According to official figures, HIV/AIDS prevalence in Togo since 2006 has remained steady at about 3.2% (Zodzi/Magnowski, Reuters, 11/15).