Mozambique Should Increase Number of People With Antiretroviral Access To Boost Fight Against Disease, Advocate Says
Mozambique should amplify its efforts to fight HIV/AIDS by increasing the number of people with access to antiretroviral drugs, Cesar Mufanequico, coordinator for the country's Antiretroviral Treatment Access Movement, said in a recent interview with Radio Mozambique, the SAPA/Sunday Times reports.
UNAIDS in a report released in April estimated that at least 230,000 people living with the disease in Mozambique are in need of antiretroviral access. According to the report, although the Mozambican government did not meet its target of providing 55,000 people, including 3,500 children, with treatment access by the end of 2006, there have been "some improvements."
According to Mufanequico, the government provides antiretroviral access to about 44,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the country who need the drugs. Mufanequico -- speaking ahead of the global week on access to antiretrovirals, which is scheduled for May 20 to May 26 -- urged the government to increase drug access in the country. According to SAPA/Times, Mozambique expects to receive $300 million this year from the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Bank and the Clinton Foundation (SAPA/Sunday Times, 5/10).
