E-DRUG: ARV medication factory opens in Mozambique (3)
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[Can we also hear what happened with other ARV production plans in DRC, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia etc?
Please remember that Least Developed Countries are exempted from their TRIPS obligations re patents until at least 2016. Could one of the African countries take over the role of India which can no longer easily produce and export generic versions of medicines patented after 2005? WB]
Dear E-druggers,
I congratulate the government and people of Mozambique on this project that will indeed alleviate suffering and ease the vicious cycle of ill health and poverty.
On the other hand, am wondering what has become of Nigeria's version of similar project in Yaba, Lagos which is lying moribund after completion of building and installation of equipments?
We need well meaning individuals, advocates and international agencies like MSF, WHO to speak up on such issues rather than maintain status quo.
with kind regards
Olatubosun Obileye
Project 5 Loaves 2 Fishes
Nigeria
www.5loaves2fishes.org
obileyet@hotmail.com
E-DRUG: ARV production in Nigeria?
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[In a previous discussion on the ARV factory in Mozambique, E-drugger Olatubosun Obileye asked what happened in a similar project in Nigeria:
"On the other hand, am wondering what has become of Nigeria's version of similar project in Yaba, Lagos which is lying moribund after completion of building and installation of equipments?
We need well meaning individuals, advocates and international agencies like MSF, WHO to speak up on such issues rather than maintain status quo."
Subject title switched by moderator. WB]
Dear E-druggers,
Obileye's observation and question on Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health ART Production project is a challenge to those who are in authority and/or those involved. There was nationwide optimism at the time.
However, after a couple of years down the line, there seems to be nothing forthcoming! A country like Nigeria, with her tremendous resources (human and material) can and should actually take the lead and follow in the footsteps of countries like India and Brazil that have made significant impact in this area. Nigeria expends so much on ARVs either directly through government funding or indirectly through partners, the market is quite sizeable, however, it seems that some unscrupulous agents in governmental circles are busy making their own money (albeit, illegally) and local production may work against their vested interests. A serious government should take a hard look at this and move against such corrupt officials at whatever level.
It is very unfortunate that Nigeria is bedeviled by a crop of retrogressive officials that do not have the interest of the nation at heart. It is very sad that people could be corruptly enriching themselves through medicines and commodities that are meant to alleviate the sufferings of HIV/AIDS victims. It is an unacceptable face of corruption, worse than trading in counterfeit medicines!
Does the Federal Ministry of Health and/or any of its accredited agents have any info for us on the state of the proposed ART plant? There are many agencies willing to help Nigeria if only there can be a sign of seriousness on the part of the government. Let the government begin to "walk the talk". If the nation must develop, then we must take the bull by the horn. Enough of rhetoric!
Regards
Professor 'Fola Tayo, MFR
Retired Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
University of Lagos.
Nigeria