Uganda runs unlicensed drugs factory

Uganda is funding an unlicensed antiretroviral drug factory to try to meet the demand for drugs for HIV-positive people in the country.

According to Irin News, less than half of people living with HIV in the country have access to antiretrovirals.

A poor supply chain system has led to inefficiencies in the drug ordering system for HIV positive patients.

There are not enough pharmacists in the country to dispense the medication, which has exacerbated a nationwide shortage.

Uganda's spending on health falls short of the 15 per cent pledge of other African nations, Irin said.

It stands at 10.6 per cent of the national budget.

Foreign aid for antiretroviral drugs is tied up to particular pharmaceutical companies, so the Ugandan government has had to find its own funds for the plant.

Uganda's National Drug Authority has approved the factory in Kampala, but it has not been licensed by the World Health Organization.

According to a demographic and health survey reported by New Vision, 71 per cent of women and 77 per cent of men have never been tested for HIV in the country.

News brought to you by Global Health TV, covering the issues of health in the developing world.