Greater independence to treat HIV for Africa, fairer mining in Ghana

Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the highest number of HIV infections worldwide, accounting for almost 65 % of cases and has long been dependent on imports of antiretroviral drugs and test kits. With the withdrawal of USAID resources, a crucial pillar of support for HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa is being lost.

At the same time, however, the region is now taking an important step towards health independence as countries begin to use locally manufactured HIV drugs and tests in their national health programmes. In 2023, a Kenyan drug manufacturer became the first in Africa to receive WHO approval to manufacture a widely used HIV drug called TLD. The Global Fund – a global partnership to fight HIV, tuberculosis and malaria – is now purchasing this locally manufactured HIV drug for Mozambique. This is the first time that an African-manufactured TLD will be delivered through these procurement channels. 

Mining companies in Ghana must meet environmental and social obligations

More good news comes from Ghana. Far-reaching reforms to mining legislation are set to make the sector there fairer and more transparent. Among other things, companies will no longer be granted automatic licence renewals if they fail to meet their environmental and social obligations. They will also be required to allocate a portion of their gross mineral sales directly to community development.

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Your D+C editorial team
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