Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - October 27, 2009
The University of Bradford is trying to produce anti-retroviral drugs in the form of granules.
The granules are easier for children to take and are more stable in countries with high temperatures than current HIV medication, which is in liquid form.
Scientists behind the project need to raise 25,000 pounds so the work can continue.
The university has set up a page on the JustGiving website, where people can donate money to the project.
Shital Maru, a pharmacist from Kenya, said the granules would also taste better, have a longer shelf life and would need to be administered less often than the liquid medication.
She told BBC News: "In Africa the temperatures soar up above 40C and it's very difficult to keep pharmaceutical products like syrups and suspensions stable at those temperatures.
"They require refrigeration and in Africa most people... can't afford refrigerators in their houses.
"What we are trying to do is formulate a dosage form for children, some granules, which are easy to take for the children, they are stable at those high temperatures and they are convenient enough for them to be taken according to the body weight of the child."
Ms Maru added: "This funding is important because if I can make stable products and get it out to my country the children can benefit taking them.
"If they are having the right dosage of course they will survive and it will make their quality of life much better."
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