The Nigerian government on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Clinton Foundation of United States to facilitate the supply of high- quality, affordable drugs and diagnostics for HIV/AIDS treatment and care.

The signing at the Presidential Villa was witnessed by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former U.S. president Bill Clinton who is on a visit to Nigeria.

Under the agreement, Nigeria is to be included in the Clinton Foundation's Procurement Consortium.

Nigeria will benefit from the foundation's negotiated supplier agreements to reduce the prices of HIV/AIDS drugs and diagnostics.

Nigerian Minister of Health Eyitayo Lambo and Chairman of the Board of the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative Ira Magaziner signed the MOU on behalf of respective side.

In addition, the foundation will assist Nigeria in expanding access to pediatric HIV/AIDS care and treatment by facilitating access to pediatric antiretroviral drugs and providing technical assistance.

It will also help Nigeria mobilize financial resources from donor governments, other foundations, multilateral organizations, private corporations and individuals to fund HIV/AIDS interventions and other identified needs.

On its part, the Nigerian government is expected to regularly inform the Clinton Foundation of its priority areas in the effort to curb HIV/AIDS.

Where possible, the government is to facilitate exemption from taxes and duties for equipment, materials, services and drugs required for implementation of its partnership with the Foundation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Obasanjo thanked Clinton for his continued interest in Nigeria and Africa, saying that he hoped the MOU and partnership with Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative would provide a significant boost to ongoing efforts by the federal government to combat the pandemic.

Source: Xinhua