Drug-resistant HIV strains are becoming more common inUganda; their prevalence is 12 percent today compared with 8.6 percent in 2007,PlusNews reports. The PharmAccess African Studies to Evaluate Resistance(PASER) report found that the prevalence of drug resistance among people whohave never taken antiretroviral (ARV) medications was also high. Drugresistance occurs when people don’t respond to ARVs and their health falters,though they are taking drugs correctly and consistently. Researchers found thatlow treatment adherence, a shortage of health professionals, little training,an inconsistent drug supply and low enforcement of quality standards were amongthe causes of drug resistance. To lower resistance rates, researchers said nationalHIV treatment programs should be strengthened and include steady supply chains,routine health treatment and access to second- and third-line drug regimens.