Although being the only sub-Saharan African company to manufacture anti-retroviral drugs, Varichem cannot export in the region as they have not yet met World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standards.

Varichem Pharmaceuticals Zimbabwe

“It has to be noted that we are the only sub-Saharan country with a company manufacturing ARV’s but we cannot export as yet since we haven’t met standards required by WHO. We are working towards getting there but at the moment we cannot export,” he said.

Commenting on whether Zimbabwe was going to meet the stipulated 75% universal access target by 2010 Dr Makurira said this initiative needed the effort of everyone to see it into fruition.

“We want to reach the 75% and if we fail due to limited resources we are targeting to reach at least the 72% mark,” he said.

He went on revealing that they were engaging more partners to attract extra resources to Zimbabwe inorder for them to spruce up the efforts to achieve the universal access target.

“Leadership should also lead by example and show its seriousness in the prevention of infection,” went on Dr Makurira.

Condom use was one major point he attributed to the decline in the prevalence rate in Zimbabwe which has dropped from 24,6% to 15,6%. According to him Zimbabwe has the largest per capita volume of condom usage in sub-Saharan Africa.

On a brief background note, Varichem started manufacturing ARV’s in June of 2004 but up to this day these generic drugs are still out of reach for many in need of them. To those who can afford to buy them, they are not readily available and Varichem has failed to satiate demand. This has seen some individuals resorting to other forms of therapy like herbal, which has since proved popular and with less side effects. Herbs of the nature of Moringa have grown to be loved by many and more herbs are being discovered of their healing or immune boosting powers. Some members of the populace are wondering how, though it is a noble endeavour, Varichem will be able to supply the region when it is failing to flood the local market even if they are to meet the standards stipulated by WHO?

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