A catch-22? : an exploration of the domestic production of antiretroviral drugs in Uganda

Abstract

This research focuses on analyzing the potential of the domestic production of antiretrovirals (ARVs) to be used as a means of increasing access to medications for Acute Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients requiring treatment in Uganda. The case study of the South-South partnership between the Ugandan pharmaceutical company, Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL), and the Indian drug-manufacturing corporation, Cipla, looks at the development of a local pharmaceutical industry for the production of ARV drugs. The research notably explores the issues that can impede the success of the endeavor. I argue that currently the operation has not led to a significant increase in access to the medications primarily due to market entry restrictions. However, it does have the ability to amplify long-term access to affordable ARV drugs in the country in the future if a variety of factors are met at both the local and international level.