E-drug: 21 May: MSF briefing in 56th WHA
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Invitation to a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) briefing session on the
occasion of the 56th World Health Assembly
"Perspectives and practice in antiretroviral treatment in resource poor
settings"
Two years of antiretroviral treatment in South African primary health
care centers: what has been learnt for South Africa and for the six
million people waiting for treatment for HIV/AIDS worldwide?
When: 21 May 2003, 13.00 ? 14.30
Where: Room M605 at the World Health Organization.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a series of
publications on best practices for scaling up ARV treatment
programmes. First in the series is Medecins Sans Frontieres' "The
Khayelitsha HAART programme: Antiretroviral therapy at primary
health care clinics in South Africa".
- In South Africa, 600 people die of AIDS every day and an estimated
5 million are infected with HIV/AIDS.
- At the WHA, MSF will discuss how, for the past two years, it has
been successfully treating HIV/AIDS patients with antiretroviral drugs
in the Khayelitsha township outside Cape Town in public health
facilities.
- This report shows not only that ARV treatment programmes are
feasible but that they are feasible at an affordable price. In this
example of best practices, the per day price (US$ 1) is less a third of
per day reduced price offered by proprietary companies.
- Ideas for HIV/AIDS patients worldwide: how Khayelitsha is
influencing its community and the South African government
HIV/AIDS policy.
- Recommendations for the international community: in the follow-up
to UNGASS and in light of the WHO's commitment to ensure
treatment for 3 million people by 2005, what lessons can be learnt
from the Khayelitsha experience?
Speakers:
- Opening remarks - Dr. Bernard Schwartlander (WHO)
- The Khayelitsha HAART Programme: Antiretroviral Therapy in
Primary Care Clinics in South Africa - Dr Eric Goemaere (MSF)
- Community involvement in HAART Programme: "The unwritten
contract" - Ms Vuyiseka Dubula (Treatment Action Campaign)
- WHO's scaling up strategy - Dr Jos Perriens (WHO)
Session facilitated by Ms. Rachel Cohen (MSF)
RSVP appreciated: Laure Bonnevie ++41 (0)22 849 84 08
For more info et press contact: Ingrid Cox ++41 (0)22 849 8401
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