Mozambique to Produce Its Own Antiretrovirals

Antiretrovirals have been proven to prolong the lives of HIV sufferers significantly, but a lack of production in Africa and high import prices have slowed their distribution.

Mozambique health minister Alexandre Manguele has confirmed that the country will begin producing its own antiretrovirals to combat high HIV rates, becoming the first African country to do so outside of the private sector.

The first antiretrovirals, produced in partnership with Brazil, will be ready by July 2012. The Southern African country and Brazil will co-produce the drugs in a factory in the southern city of Matola. Brazil will provide training as well as technical oversight.

Antiretrovirals have been proven to prolong the lives of HIV sufferers significantly, but a lack of production in Africa and high import prices have slowed their distribution.

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