Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - August 15, 2005
Obasanjo said at the weekend during the presentation of the Aids drug Virex by local drug firm Fidson Healthcare that he is encouraged by the achievement of the company.
He said the firm's feat has proved that "where there is a will, there is a way" to fight the deadly disease, afflicting about 5% of the 130-million-strong Nigerian population.
The president also challenged the company to achieve a similar breakthrough in production of a vaccine for malaria, another killer disease in the country.
Fidson boss Fidelis Ayebae said the drug is produced in both tablets and liquid forms for adults and children, and is 100% formulated and manufactured by Nigerian experts.
He said the new drug, which does not cure Aids but keeps the virus in check, is both affordable and available to affected Nigerians.
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