NIGERIA'S HIV/AIDS FIGHT ASSISTED BY ARV DONATION

Evans Medical, a UK-based pharmaceutical company, recently bolstered the Nigerian federal government's ongoing endeavor to provide treatment to 250,000 people with HIV/AIDS -- which has reached pandemic status in the country -- by donating nine locally manufactured antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to the Nigerian Ministry of Health.

Commenting recently on the donation, Minister of Health Eyitayo Lambo noted that in addition to furthering treatment efforts, the locally produced drugs would help ensure availability and affordability.

Last year, the Nigerian government launched a comprehensive plan to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS by 25 percent over the next three years. An estimated 3.6 million Nigerians are currently infected with the disease, and very few have access to treatment. At present, there are 50 ARV treatment sites in the country, at which approximately 17,000 patients receive consistent aid.