Cross River explores local options for production of ARVs for 30,000 HIV/AIDs patients
Cross River State government is exploring cost-effective local manufacturing options for production of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the more than 30,000 HIV/AIDs patients in the state.
Director General, Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA) Dr. Charles Iwara, disclosed this at a meeting with officials of a pharmaceutical firm.
Iwara explained that the initiative is aimed at making the state self-sufficient in HIV treatment.
According to him, the plan has become imperative in order to reduce reliance on foreign aid and donor funding for HIV/AIDS.
Iwara noted that with over 30,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Cross River State and declining funding from donor partners, it has become imperative to explore accessible and sustainable options.
“This initiative is commendable, especially considering that at the national level, the Federal Government is also striving to produce ARV drugs locally.
“So, having a local firm who has shown interest in manufacturing these drugs in Calabar would be a significant development,” Iwara said.
He also thanked Governor Bassey Otu for initiating the idea of local production of the drugs.
“We have been considering ways to ensure sustainability in our healthcare services, and this is a crucial step towards providing necessary support to those in urgent need of these medications in addition to their integration in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme,” Iwara added.
He maintained that the local options will meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards, adding, “The local production of ARVs is poised to significantly alleviate the hardships faced by residents of the state living with HIV/AIDS.”
Cross River explores local options for production of ARVs for 30,000 HIV/AIDs patients
