Mozambique to take up production of ARVs

The African country, Mozambique is producing antiretroviral drugs (ARVs ) against HIV virus, on its own, to combat AIDS.

According to Mozambique health minister Alexandre Manguele, the initial stocks of ARVs manufactured jointly with Brazil would be ready by July 2012 , telegraph.co.uk reported.

The initiative makes Mozambique the first country in Africa to have its own production of the drugs rather than being a private sector supplier.

Statistics show that 15% of people aged between 15 and 49 are HIV infected in Mozambique.