Development brands A milestone for a region that carries almost 65 percent of the world -world burden of HIV and has for a long time on imports of antiretroviral medications and test kits that save lives. But that may be starting to change.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens the immune system of the body, reducing its ability to combat infections and certain cancers. Without timely intervention, you can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced infection.
In 2023, the pharmaceutical company based in Kenya Universal Corporation LTD became the first African manufacturer to receive prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) to produce Tenfovir Disoproxil Fumarate, Lamivudina and Dolutegravir (TLD), an anti -trotroviral therapy of first line by HIV.
Now, in a big step forward, the World Fund, a World HIV financing association, tuberculosis and malaria responses, is acquiring this HIV treatment produced locally for Mozambique, which makes it the first time that the TLD manufactured in Africa has been deployed through this channel.
“The acquisition of first -line HIV treatment manufactured in Africa by the World Fund for Mozambique is a great milestone to strengthen supply chain systems in Africa,“Said Meg Doherty, director of OMS HIV programs.
“This will contribute to better health results for people who live with HIV who need uninterrupted medication supplies.“
Regional capacity construction
Who says that achievement is part of a broader impulse to reinforce local production capacity and improve access to essential health technologies in Africa.
The UN Agency has been associated with global countries, manufacturers and health organizations, including the World Fund and the Unitaid, to expand the secure African manufacture of quality.
“The local production of quality health products is an urgent priority,” said Rogerio Gaspar, director of regulation and prequalification.
“With each African manufacturer that meets the WHO prequalification standards, we approach a more self -sufficient, resistant and equitable health system.“
Progress, but structural gaps remain
Despite the milestone, who warned that production alone is not enough. To guarantee long -term sustainability, the agency asks for advanced market commitments, fair acquisition policies and continuous technical support.
Who also points out the diagnosis as a critical gap. With the financing of changing donors, many countries are under pressure to maintain HIV test programs, which are the first prevention and treatment line.
In a related effort, Codix Bio, a Nigerian diagnostic company, recently received a subjoint to manufacture rapid diagnostic tests for HIV.
Rapid HIV tests produced locally will help increase affordability and address supply chain vulnerabilities and delays
– Who director Meg Doherty
“Having rapid HIV tests produced locally will help increase affordability, and address the vulnerabilities of the supply chain and delays in access to diagnoses more widely“Dr. Doherty said.
Maintain the impact in the midst of financing voltage
As part of its orientation, the UN Health Agency is also encouraging countries to adopt low -cost rapid HIV tests, preelied with WHO, especially as the first test in national algorithms, which can significantly reduce costs while maintaining the provision of services.
While the last update marks tangible progress, more action is needed.
“The TLD manufactured locally is an important step towards that goal,” who said: “But more action is needed.”
