Calypte Biomedical Corporation, the developer and marketer of the only two FDA approved HIV-1 antibody tests that can be used on urine samples, as well as an FDA approved serum HIV-1 antibody Western blot supplemental test, announced that the Government of Uganda has stated that urine testing is approved for importation, allowing Calypte the rights to distribute their HIV-1 antibody tests into that Republic.
The Republic of Uganda's Vidas National Research Institute has determined that sufficient testing has shown that Calypte's urine based testing is approved for importation and subsequent distribution in Uganda. Dr. Benon Biaryahwawo, Director of the Vidas National Research Institute (the National Lab for Uganda) issued a letter on September 9, 2003, outlining the approval and stated that the government of Uganda is now prepared to work with Calypte Biomedical to secure contracts for the immediate purchase and subsequent importation of the urine based HIV/AIDS test into Uganda.
Funding so far in 2003 for the Republic of Uganda in their battle against AIDS included $27 million from USAID, $36 million from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS and significant contributions from The World Bank and the Republic of Uganda itself.
Jay Oyakawa, President of Calypte stated, "We are pleased that the Vidas National Research Institute and the Republic of Uganda have taken this position on our urine based product. Calypte is committed to continue to work with agencies, foundations and Governments throughout the world to expand the distribution of our HIV-1 antibody urine based tests."