May 19, 2008

Global Health Ministers Talk HIV Drug Access

At the five-day World Health Assembly (WHA), which began today, May 19, health ministers from around the globe will meet with World Health Organization officials in Geneva to discuss how to make medicines—including medications for people living with HIV and other incurable conditions—more affordable and easier to access, reports Reuters UK (uk.reuters.com, 5/14).

The World Trade Organization’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) has been criticized for not meeting the needs of people in poor countries who need generic versions of lifesaving drugs. But health officials are optimistic that the WHA will resolve many of these issues by the end of the assembly.

“It is now up to the World Health Assembly in May to translate bold ideas into concrete action,” said a Doctors Without Borders statement. “What we need to see is a wider, more ambitious framework for [research and development] and political leadership, in particular from WHO.”

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Glenn, New York, 2008-05-20 10:21:58
What I don't get is how we think it is viable for the people of Africa to take these meds when they don't have the clean water to take with the meds nor do they have the proper nutrition to offset the side effects of the drugs. Does the "WHA" really think it is viable that these poor, impoverished people are going to remain compliant and take their meds day in and day out AND put up with all the side effects that can't be managed in such poor conditions? Follow the money trail people!

Scott, Scottsdale, 2008-05-19 23:50:58
At what point in the course of civilized society do we recognize that millions of people die every year from HIV? Meds should be made available inexpensively globally to everyone. This is a responsibility of every morally responsible person. How is it ok for one Rx in the US to cost over $1,000? Can someone tell me how this is no morally a reprehensible act that should come to an end? If bubonic plague returned would we allow people to be charged $1,000 for life saving medication?