ARV tax break call from Nigerian industry group

The Nigerian Manufacturers Association, which includes a pharmaceutical sector representative group, has called for the establishment of a tax credit for the production of antiretroviral drugs in the west African country, the Vanguard of Nigeria reports. The industry body also announced the imminent launch of a national HIV/AIDS workplace policy for its members.

Chief Joe Ifejika, the NAM's director of field services, told the Vanguard that the group was working with Nigeria's National Agency for the Control of AIDS on developing HIV testing and workplace policies for HIV positive staff. He described the tax rebate for ARVs as a way of "appreciating" the efforts of local drugmakers.