Ethiopia: Antiretroviral Drugs to Be Manufactured Locally 

Despite decrease in HIV prevalence nationally, stakeholders stress the need to strengthen fight against the epidemic. In a joint press briefing on Friday, institutions working on HIV/AIDS called for intensified efforts against HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Yibeltal Assefa of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) underlined the need to work more on antiretroviral drugs. According to the institute, preparations are underway to start manufacturing antiretroviral drugs locally in two years' time.

Meskele Lera, eputy director of the Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office, said HIV prevalence is higher among the working population. Dr. Mebratu Firehiwot, representing Ministry of Health, said ongoing activities with respect to prevention and control of HIV/AIDS are bearing fruit. He said the activities should be strengthened further.

HIV prevalence in Ethiopia declined from 7 to 1.6 percent over the past years whereas HIV/AIDS-related deaths also dropped by 90 percent, it was indicated.