Michel Geuens, General Manager Export, Novo Nordisk (Pty) Ltd,explains the advantages of the accord.

What motivated the signing of the convention with the Cameroon government?

Our company started what is called the World Diabetes Foundation which is an independent body aimed at improving the treatment and care of diabetes patients in the world. The foundation is currently involved in over 60 projects throughout the world and Cameroon is concerned. We have been cooperating with Cameroon over three years and because of the good results seen in the country; a decision was taken to extend the cooperation ties to 2008. As a company we strongly believe that insulin used in treating diabetes needs to be easily available and accessible to the majority of the population. Reason why Novo Nordisk signed a convention with the government through the Ministry of Public Health.

What is Novo Nordisk's expected to do within the convention?

The primary role of Novo Nordisk is to supply Cameroon's needs of insulin at a reduced price. Looking at the partnership in the long run, we will be apparently more involved with the government in strengthening the amount of work that has been done in Cameroon as far as diabetes is concerned, as well as taking care of patients. In the future, our role will be strengthening efforts made by the Cameroon government as a far as diabetes projects are concerned.

What is the level of cooperation between Novo Nordisk and the government of Cameroon?

This has to do with several people we work with in Cameroon. I do not want to mention names. But there are many medical personnel who are greatly committed, hardworking and dedicated in realising diabetes projects between Cameroon and Novo Nordisk. This is what we need. What strengthened our projects is also the commitment from the government which is extremely important to make any project successful. We hope the government will continue in this light.

How soon will the convention be applied?

The convention is immediately effective after signature. Depending on the demands of insulin in Cameroon, the National Centre for the Provision of Essential Drugs (CENAME) will have to contact Novo Nordisk and through simple transactions, Novo Nordisk will provide insulin at a reduced price. In-fact, the price of insulin in Cameroon will drop by 70 per cent or even more. Insulin injection will cost approximately CFA 3,000.