TANZANIA : TANZANIA has expressed readiness to collaborate with Cuban government to build a large-scale vaccine production plant including hepatitis antibody.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said that pharmaceutical factories in Cuba, including those producing herbal medicines, have enabled the country to reduce its reliance on imported drugs by 60 per cent.
The Premier made the remarks earlier this week during his visit to the LABIO- FAM Factory and Research Centre in Cuba which produces various human, agri- cultural and livestock prod- ucts.
The PM was in Cuba on a special visit to enhance bilateral ties between Tanzania and Cuba.
He said that the factory collaborates with the Kibaha Pesticide Plant, a subsidiary company of the National Development Corporation (NDC).
This factory produces pesticides that will be sprayed in mosquito breeding sites throughout the country and in Africa to eliminate mosquitoes and eradicate Malaria.
Mr Majaliwa highlighted the success of Cuba’s pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the produc- tion of herbal medicines, noting that their advance- ment has cut dependence of imported pharmaceutical commodities at some level.
Mr Majaliwa instructed the Ministry of Health to work with the Tanzanian Embassy in Havana to orga- nise a visit for discussions with Cuban health officials, pharmaceutical companies, institutions and organisations involved in drug production.
He said the aim of the discussions will be to establish a framework for importing Cuban health commodities to Tanzania after obtaining necessary approvals from relevant au- thorities.
The Prime Minister specifically mentioned Cuban medications for treating rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic foot ulcers.
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He emphasised the high quality and importance of LABIOFAM’s products, which are used in various countries. Prior to visiting LABIO- FAM, the Premier toured the Ingeneria Genetica Bio- tecnlogia (CIGB) Research Centre and factory, a ma- jor producer of health and medical products.
The Prime Minister also toured the Cardenas pharmaceutical plant, located in the province of Mantazas, which utilises herbal medicine.
During his visit, Prime Minister Majaliwa was accompanied by the Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Ambassador Humphrey Polepole.
Prime Minister Majaliwa arrived in Havana, Cuba earlier this week for a two- day visit where he met and held talks with Cuban Vice- President Salvador Valdes Mesa, where they discussed ways to strengthen and enhance the existing bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Tanzania and Cuba have been collaborating in various areas, including ed- ucation, health and culture.
