Ghana To Manufacture HIV/AIDS Drugs

The Ministry of Health intends to contract a local pharmaceutical firm to manufacture generic versions of anti-retroviral drugs, used in the management of HIV/AIDS. The Ministry has already negotiated with international manufacturers of the anti-retrovirals to reduce the cost of the drugs from $55 for a cocktail to $29 a month.

The current cost of treatment with these drugs is way beyond the means of most AIDS patients in the country. Health Minister, Dr. Richard Anane told JOY-FM that the drugs will be made affordable when they are manufactured locally. He said negotiations are ongoing with a pharmaceutical company in Thailand to assist in the manufacture of the drugs.

Two local pharmaceutical companies who are capable of producing the anti-retrovirals have also been identified. There are currently no support systems to help AIDS patients buy anti-retrovials but Dr. Anane says government is pursuing negotiations to get the prices reduced further.

Doctors are also being encouraged to use alternative drugs to treat some of the diseases associated with HIV infection. In Ocotober, the Health Ministry expects to take delivery of drugs, used in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV infections.