Yaounde: Egypt donates pharmaceuticals to strengthen fight against Hepatitis C.

The consignment was handed to the Minister of Public Health, Dr Malachie Manaouda, by the Ambassador of the Republic of Egypt to Cameroon, Dalia Fayez Farag Ghurbrial, on Tuesday September 3.

The consignment comprised of 600 boxes of Andoclata 60 mg and 600 boxes of 28 Andohepasuvir 400 mg tablets, which are essential components of the combination therapy used to treat hepatitis C.

It was also a moment for the officials to discuss the establishment of a local production line for essential medicines. 

It equally highlighted the importance for each country to have its own pharmaceutical production, with the diplomat equally making known her country’s readiness to offer its expertise to help Cameroon achieve this objective.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Dalia Fayez emphasised on her country’s dedicated efforts to support Cameroon in its healthcare challenges. She highlighted that the donation is part of Egypt’s larger presidential initiative to reduce Hepatitis to just 10%.

Through the donation, the North African country aims at extending the benefits of its successful healthcare programmes to other African nations. The donation, she said, marks a significant turning point that will help boost the bilateral cooperation between Cameroon and Egypt. 

It is also intended to strengthen the public health sector and develop the pharmaceutical sector in Cameroon. The diplomat believes that by working together, they can achieve significant strides in public health across the continent.

The collaboration between Cameroon and Egypt, Minister Manaouda said is a promising one which will help strengthen Cameroon's medical infrastructures and improve drug production capacities, opening up new prospects for the development of the country's public health sector.

He said the donation is timely and aligns with the Head of State’s health initiative, which prioritises the fight against communicable diseases, including hepatitis C. 

The member of government during the exchange expressed his gratitude as well as that of Cameroon, noting that the medicines would be instrumental in the treatment of patients affected by the disease.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3220 of Thursday, September 5, 2024