Inter Press Service (Johannesburg) - August 1, 2005
Bayano Valy, Maputo

A proposal to build the country's first-ever factory for manufacturing generic anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) may provide some hope in this respect, however. Brazil is assisting Mozambique with the initiative.

Last month, the two nations signed an agreement to start looking into the feasibility of such a plant. "Right now, we're in the process of contracting the firm that will undertake the study," Francisco Luz, cooperation counsellor at the Brazilian embassy in Mozambique, told IPS.

"Our commitment is to undertake the feasibility study and to help the Mozambican government in securing funding for the building of the pharmaceutical plant," he added.

According to Martinho Dgedge, a spokesman for the Mozambican health ministry, the study will cost in the region of half a million dollars; it is expected to take about 10 months. He has cautioned that the factory is only likely to be built if it can find a market both in Mozambique, and outside the country.

"What matters is finding out whether the factory can also sell in the region," Dgedge said.

Persons living with HIV/AIDS have welcomed news that efforts are moving ahead to determine the feasibility of an ARV plant, (the initiative was first put forward in November 2003).

"An ARV plant would contribute significantly to the reduction of HIV and AIDS-related deaths," said Arlindo Fernandes, chairperson of Associa o Kindlimuka, an organisation for people who have contracted the virus. At present, 75 percent of members in this 500-strong group receive ARV treatment.

Last year, the state spent more than four million dollars on AIDS medication, to treat about 7,000 people. Dgedge said in the region of 20,000 people would receive ARVs in 2005, as seven million dollars had been allocated for treatment this year.

The Clinton Foundation, founded by former U.S. president Bill Clinton, has negotiated with manufacturers of generic ARVs to ensure Mozambique can obtain drugs at the cheapest possible price. Ireland also provides the country with funds for ARVs.

In addition, an Italian non-governmental organisation -- the Community of Sant' Egidio -- is supplying AIDS treatment to Mozambicans. Currently, the organisation provides assistance of various types to a total of 9,200 HIV-positive people, 4,200 of whom are at a stage where they require anti- retroviral treatment.

Under its DREAM programme (Drug Resource Enhancement Against AIDS and Malnutrition), Sant' Egidio gives people suffering from AIDS free supplies of ARVs, food supplements and water filters. The programme is said to have been highly successful in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

With the levels of infection in Mozambique standing at 500 new AIDS cases a day, however, the treatment programmes currently available will do little to reverse the effects of the HIV pandemic, which threatens development as professionals succumb to disease -- and children are orphaned. Official statistics put the total number of people living with HIV/AIDS at about 1.2 million.

Fernandes said that members of his group who received ARVs were able to lead a normal life, but that they still suffered the effects of discrimination. Others had been fired after falling ill, and had not managed to get new jobs.

During a recent visit to Mozambique, however, Clinton maintained that ARV treatment had to be promoted -- as there was little incentive for Mozambicans to get tested for HIV if they continued to see AIDS as a death sentence.

"If they know they can be treated and live a normal life span, that's a huge incentive for people..." Clinton noted.

050801
IP050801

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .