TANZANIA is set to begin full-scale local production of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), the government has declared.

Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, the Health permanent secretary, made this affirmation here yesterday after touring the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (TPI), a pharmaceutical factory in the northern city that has a supply partnership with the government in that regard.

He said the tour was meant to assess its readiness to resume operations as production was earlier suspended due to technical and operational challenges, with its current assignment making a milestone in efforts to strengthen the healthcare system and reduce reliance on foreign aid.

For decades Tanzania has depended on ARVs supplied through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), whose curtailing early this year propelled the government to fast track plans to build local manufacturing capacity to ensure sustainability and lower costs, for timely access to essential medicines for people living with HIV, he said.

The Medical Stores Department (MSD) and the Treasury Registrar entered a joint-venture agreement with TPI, a partnership intended to revive and modernise the factory for it to begin large-scale local production of ARVs, he said.

Mohamed Mchengerwa, the Health minister, upon taking up the portfolio instructed that the factory be restored to full functionality to enhance ARV availability, create employment opportunities and boost the national economy, he explained.

“This factory must be revived and start producing medicines. It has remained dormant for too long,” he said, underlining his visit as tied to assessing the necessary steps for its rehabilitation and commencement of production.

Discussions with technical teams have already taken place, and a task force comprising board members and management representatives is being established to oversee the entire revival process, he said.

Experts are currently evaluating the condition and quality of existing machinery to ensure it meets required pharmaceutical standards, he said, pointing out that President Samia Suluhu Hassan was keen on reviving industries nationwide and attracting investors to strengthen local manufacturing.

Particular importance is being placed on health-related industries so that Tanzania can produce its own medicines, reduce expenditure on imports and ensure faster access to life-saving drugs and other medical supplies, he further noted.

Once fully operational, the rejuvenated TPI plant will produce ARVs and other essential medicines, thereby reducing shortages and improving national health security, he said, noting that the initiative will create new jobs in the pharmaceutical sector, empower local specialists and technicians, and stimulate economic activity in the area.

Local analysts see the move as a significant step towards self-reliance, improved healthcare delivery and greater stability in Tanzania’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.