Zimbabwe Signs Pfizer Access Medicines Deal

By Emelda Jinya

Zimbabwe says patients could soon benefit from cheaper access to innovative medicines and vaccines following a new agreement between Government and US pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding under Pfizer’s global initiative, Accord for a Healthier World. The programme supports lower-income countries with selected medicines and vaccines supplied on a not-for-profit basis.

The Ministry says the deal will improve access to treatments for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological and inflammatory conditions, key drivers of non-communicable diseases in Zimbabwe.

Health officials add that the partnership is expected to strengthen the public health system and widen availability of life-saving therapies.

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