University Teaching Hospital Head of Department of Psychiatry Ravi Paul has expressed concern that some young HIV negative people are taking Antiretroviral drugs ARVs as a substitute for drugs without proper medical advice from doctors.

Dr. Paul says the trend is disturbing and has the potential to affect ARV users negatively especially when they are taken in the absence of the HIV virus.

Speaking in an interview with Christian Voice News in Lusaka, Dr. Paul has advised parents and guardians on ART to conceal their drugs to ensure young people are not abusing them.

He added that taking ARVs in non HIV patients has serious consequences on the health of those taking them.