AEGiS-15IAC: Technology transfer for local production of HIV/AIDS-related drugs in Democratic Republic of Congo: a private entrepreneur with social missions.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Technology transfer for local production of HIV/AIDS-related drugs in Democratic Republic of Congo: a private entrepreneur with social missions.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10128)

Kraisintu K, Krabbe A, Eksaengsri A
MFN International Limited, London, United Kingdom

ISSUES: Today, six million people with HIV/AIDS are in urgent need of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in the developing world, 4.1 million of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 6,000 people die of AIDS each day in this region. Although there is no cure for HIV infection, ARV drugs can dramatically reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life. Approximately 800,000 people are taking antiretroviral therapy(ART) worldwide, of whom 500,000 living in high-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, only an estimated 1 % (around 50,000 persons in 2002) of people requiring ART have access to ARV drugs.

DESCRIPTION: Pharmakina (PK),originally owned by Boehringer-Mannheim and Roche respectively, has been taken over by the management of PK in the beginning of 1999. PK is not only the largest private employer in Eastern Congo, but also the world's largest producer of quinine. PK has put into operation a diagnostic centre for malaria, tuberculosis and pregnancy tests which is already open to the public. It also operates 12 Health Centres spread over North and South Kivu.

LESSONS LEARNED: Aim of this humanitarian project is to reduce the morbidity and mortality of AIDS patients in Bukavu, Eastern Congo by offering cost effective diagnosis and low-priced ARV drugs which is a today's best available choice of fixed-dose combination of stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine and taken as bi-daily tablets. It is well tolerated in most cases, has few contra-indications and is appropriate for use in women of child-bearing age. It has proven efficacy under actual field conditions, is afforadable and is easy to take.

RECOMMENDATIONS: To improve access of ARV drugs in Democratic Republic of Congo, the stimulation of local manufacturing of non-patented ARV drugs provide a win-win solution to all involved parties and most importantly it representsa viable and sustainable means of tackling the problem at its source.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Anti-HIV Agents, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Africa South of the Sahara, Nevirapine, Technology Transfer, Private Sector, Stavudine, Demography, Lamivudine, Congo, Humans, Female, Child, Pregnancy, economics, mortality

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B10128