Brazil to build AIDS drugs factory in Mozambique

MAPUTO - Brazil will build a plant in Mozambique that will produce generic AIDS drugs in the southern African country where more than one million people are living with HIV and AIDS, the visiting foreign minister said.
"We already have the financing to carry out feasibility studies for this factory," said Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorin as he wrapped up a one-day visit to Mozambique late Wednesday.
"Health ministry officials will come to discuss the final details," said Amorin in remarks broadcast on television.
Some 12.2 percent of adults, or 1.3 million people, are living with HIV and AIDS in Mozambique, according to the UN AIDS agency.
No date has been set for the construction of the pharmaceutical plant to begin.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited Mozambique in 2003 and the then Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano paid a return visit to Brazil in August of last year.
Both countries are former Portuguese colonies.

03/10/2005 11:10 GMT