In a landmark move for Africa’s pharmaceutical sector, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has announced the procurement of its first batch of life-saving HIV drugs manufactured on the African continent.
The antiretroviral medication – known as TLD, a fixed-dose combination of tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir – was produced by a Kenyan pharmaceutical company and recently delivered to Mozambique. This marks the first time that first-line HIV treatment sourced entirely from Africa will be used to treat patients through the Global Fund.
According to a statement issued in Abuja the head of supply operations at the Global Fund, Ms. Hui Yang, the TLD medication is prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO), ensuring it meets international quality standards. The current shipment is expected to treat over 72,000 people living with HIV in Mozambique each year.
“This historic milestone underscores the Global Fund’s deep commitment to regional manufacturing and capacity building,” Yang said. “By supporting production within Africa, we are enhancing supply security and increasing access to high-quality, affordable health products for millions across the continent.”
Mozambique’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ussene Isse welcomed the development, calling it a transformative moment in the region’s fight against HIV.
“Africa’s growing capacity to produce essential medicines locally is a strategic advancement,” he said. “It reduces our reliance on imports and improves our ability to respond quickly and effectively to public health emergencies.”
Head of grant management at the Global Fund, Mark Edington reaffirmed the organisation’s focus on expanding access to affordable and quality-assured African-made health products, including antiretroviral drugs.
“Scaling up procurement and delivery of competitively priced, locally manufactured health products is a top priority,” Edington said. “Through our NextGen market-shaping strategy, we are working to build sustainable supply chains and close the gap between rising demand and limited local production.”
He added that the initiative not only improves health security but also promotes economic development by boosting the continent’s pharmaceutical industry.
The Global Fund’s effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance Africa’s self-sufficiency in essential health commodities. It is working in partnership with institutions such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), Unitaid and various African Regional Economic Communities to strengthen regional procurement and manufacturing systems.
Previously, the Global Fund has procured antimalarial drugs, mosquito nets, and co-trimoxazole from African-based manufacturers. Stakeholders say this latest step represents a major stride toward greater health resilience and independence across the continent.
