Development brands An important step for a region that carries almost 65% of the world HIV burden and has long depends imports antiretroviral drugs and test kits. But it can start to change.
THE Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens the body’s immune system, reducing its ability to combat infections and certain cancers. Without a timely intervention, it can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced infection stage.
In 2023, the Kenya -based pharmaceutical company, Universal Corporation LTD, became the first African manufacturer to receive the World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification to produce tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine and the dolutegravir (TLD) – front -line antiretroviral therapy for HIV.
From now on, in a big step forward, the Global Fund-a global partnership funding HIV, tuberculosis and malaria responses-is accompanied by this HIV treatment produced locally for Mozambique, which makes it the first time that the Afro-Fabrocked TLD has been deployed via this channel.
“” The supply of first -line African HIV treatment by the Mozambique Global Fund is a big step to strengthen supply chain systems in Africa, »» said Meg Doherty, Director of World HIV Programs.
“” This will contribute to better health results for people living with HIV who need uninterrupted medication supplies.“”
Reinforcement of regional capacities
Who says that the realization is part of a broader thrust to strengthen local production capacity and improve access to essential health technologies across Africa.
The United Nations agency is associated with global countries, manufacturers and health organizations – including the Global and Unitaid Fund – to extend quality African manufacturing.
“The local production of health products provided by quality is an urgent priority,” said Rogerio Gaspar, director of regulation and prequalification.
“” With each African manufacturer that meets prequalification standards, we get closer to a more independent, resilient and fair health system.“”
Progress, but structural gaps remain
Despite the milestone, which warned that production alone is not enough. To guarantee long -term sustainability, the agency calls for advanced market commitments, fair supply policies and continuous technical support.
Which also underlines diagnoses as a critical gap. With the movement of donors’ financing, many countries are under pressure to maintain HIV testing test programs, which are the first time for prevention and treatment.
In a related effort, codix organic, a Nigerian diagnostic company, recently has received an underside to make quick diagnostic tests for HIV.
Quick HIV tests produced locally will contribute to increasing affordability and approaching vulnerabilities and delays in the supply chain
– Who director Meg Doherty
“” Having quick tests on HIV products locally helps increase affordability and more broadly approach vulnerabilities and delays in the supply chain in access to diagnostics“Said Dr. Doherty.
Support the impact in the middle of the financing strain
As part of its directives, the United Nations health agency also encourages countries to adopt rapid HIV rapid tests, in particular as the first test in national algorithms, which can considerably reduce costs while maintaining services.
Although the last update marks tangible progress, more action is necessary.
“The local TLD is a major step towards this objective,” said, “but more action is necessary. »»
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
