Historic Milestone: Africa Takes Leap in HIV Treatment with Locally Made Medicines
In a groundbreaking achievement, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has procured its first-ever HIV treatment manufactured in Africa. This milestone marks a significant step towards promoting regional manufacturing and capacity building on the continent. The lifesaving antiretroviral medicines (ARVs), called TLD, were sourced from a leading Kenyan pharmaceutical company and delivered to Mozambique, where they will treat over 72,000 people per year.
According to Hui Yang, Head of Supply Operations at the Global Fund, "This historic milestone highlights the Global Fund’s strong commitment to promoting regional manufacturing and capacity building. By fostering production based in Africa, we are strengthening supply security and expanding access to quality-assured, affordable health products across the continent, contributing to global health security." This development is a testament to the Global Fund’s efforts to support Africa’s growing health product manufacturing sector, which has the potential to transform the continent’s healthcare landscape.
The Global Fund has been working closely with partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, and Unitaid, to advance regional capacity building for manufacturing and procurement in Africa. Notably, the organization has been procuring antimalarial medicines, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and essential medicines from Africa-based manufacturers, ensuring that all products meet stringent quality assurance requirements.
Mark Edington, Head of Grant Management at the Global Fund, emphasized the organization’s commitment to accelerating the procurement and delivery of competitively priced, quality African-made health products. "We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Africa’s rising health product manufacturing sector," he said. The Global Fund’s NextGen market shaping approach is designed to support capacity building, promote sustainable supply chains, and strengthen healthcare systems at all levels.
This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for Africa, where the demand for quality-assured health products far outstrips supply. By supporting local manufacturing, the Global Fund is helping to bridge this gap and ensure that more people have access to the medicines they need to live healthy, productive lives. As the continent continues to grow and develop its healthcare sector, this milestone serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for African countries to take ownership of their health security and drive positive change.
