Durban — In a bid to develop South Africa's healthcare sector, Viatris, a leading global healthcare company, has announced the successful production of its first batch of locally manufactured antiretroviral (ARV) medicines at its newly upgraded Isando manufacturing facility.
In a press release, the company stated that this achievement follows a significant investment of R100 million aimed at aligning the production capabilities with global standards, while also supporting the government’s initiative to enhance local manufacturing as part of its Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
Head of ARV Institutional Business at Viatris, Prashant Sisodia, emphasised the company's commitment to South Africa during the announcement.
“Viatris has long been a trusted partner in the fight against HIV. Since 2015, we have collaborated with the National Department of Health (NDOH) to supply approximately 172 million doses of first-line ARVs. Through our current investments, we are proud to both empower our workforce and strengthen South Africa’s healthcare infrastructure,” Sisodia stated.
The enhancement of the Isando facility comes as a response to the pressing need for improved access to ARVs in a country where the estimated HIV prevalence rate stands at around 13.9%. According to Statistics South Africa, in 2022, approximately 8.45 million South Africans were living with HIV, highlighting the critical demand for effective healthcare solutions.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has granted a license to the Isando facility for the local production of ARVs, which is expected to significantly increase its capacity to meet the urgent needs of the community. Viatris aims to not only bolster the supply of essential medicines but also contribute positively to South Africa’s economy and health outcomes.
Viatris employs approximately 250 personnel in South Africa, and its commitment to healthcare extends beyond ARVs. The company is also involved in a diverse range of therapeutic areas, including treatments for cardiovascular conditions, pain management, and central nervous system disorders. In a bid to enhance healthcare accessibility, Viatris has forged partnerships with local organisations, including Rhiza Babuyile and Rhiza Ventures, to establish clinics designed to provide high-quality healthcare services in under-resourced areas.
The Mpathy Clinics, a network of nurse-owned and operated facilities, exemplify this commitment. Clinics have already been successfully established in regions including Naledi, Soweto, and Gugulethu in Cape Town, and uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, bringing vital healthcare services closer to the communities that need them.
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