NAMIBIA: Free AIDS drug deal

The Namibian government is set to sign a agreement with international pharmaceutical giant Pfizer on Thursday to provide an unlimited free supply of a powerful drug to combat fungal infections associated with HIV/AIDS.

Health Minister Dr Libertina Amathila and Pfizer's Medical Director for International Philanthropy Dr Konji Sebati will put pen to paper on a deal whose negotiations started way back in July last year. First drugs would be distributed as early as Monday next week.

The drug is marketed under the brand name Diflucan. It is used to treat cryptococcal meningitis, an infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord that affects one in every 10 AIDS patients and kills more than 20 percent of those infected.

The drug is also used to treat a condition known as oesophageal candidiasis, a fungal infection of the oesophagus found in 20-40 percent of AIDS patients. It can cause chest pain, nausea and vomiting as well as impair the ability to swallow, which leads to weight loss and fatigue.

Health Permanent Secretary Dr Kalumbi Shangula said the aim of the programme would be to facilitate access of public sector HIV/AIDS patients to treatment of their opportunistic infections caused by fungi. Pfizer's chairman and chief executive officer earlier said there was no time or dollar limit set on the programme.

Under the Diflucan Partnership Programme, Namibia would be expected to assure Pfizer that the drug would be distributed free of charge, while the company would also provide medical training and patient education.

Pfizer's plan to provide a leading drug free of charge to the government followed a round of price reductions by pharmaceutical companies on antiretroviral treatments that can prolong the lives of people infected with the virus that causes AIDS last year. South Africa has already introduced the Pfizer programme. Other countries to benefit would be Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi and Swaziland.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]