The Brazilian government on Saturday expressed an interest in manufacturing antiretroviral drugs in Mozambique, a Brazilian lawmaker said.
State television reported the announcement by Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Celso Amorim that the two countries intended cementing an already close relationship in the battle against Aids.
”The manufacturing issue will be further discussed at top levels between our two governments,” Amorim said.
Amorim met President Joaquim Chissano on Friday as well as the minister of health, Francisco Songane. The discussions were expected to lead to further cooperation between the two countries in the fight against HIV/Aids.
Amorim has been in Mozambique since Thursday on a working visit.
Brazil is one of the countries that has defied the international pharmaceutical companies by producing relatively cheap generic versions of anti-retrovirals. Brazil has been cooperating with Mozambique in this area for the past three years, mainly in the training of medical staff.
Life expectancy in Mozambique is expected to drop to just under 40 years old in 2010 because of the rapid spread HIV infections. ‒ Sapa-AP