E-drug: MSF statement on new UNAIDS proposal
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MSF STATEMENT ON NEW UNAIDS PROPOSAL
Brussels, Belgium, May 11, 2000 -- M�decins Sans Fronti�res greets
with scepticism today's announcement by UNAIDS of a "New
Public/Private Sector Effort." The concept, described in a Wall Street
Journal article today of dramatically reducing prices of Aids drugs by
85 to 90 percent, is a good one. However, what is missing are concrete
commitments from drug companies, national governments or other
international funders. More importantly the proposal does little to
address a long-term political strategy.
"The fact that a serious discussion has begun among drug companies on
dramatically reducing the price of Aids drugs is a victory, but a
small one, much like an elephant giving birth to a mouse," said Dr.
Bernard P�coul of M�decins Sans Fronti�res.
This agreement does nothing to stimulate countries' rights to produce
or import inexpensive quality drugs, an important part of the
long-term solution to improving access to essential medicines.
The net effect of implementing this type of program may be to further
consolidate the AIDS-drug market in the hands of a small number of
multinational drug companies. It will likely discourage the growth of
manufacturing capacity in developing countries.
MSF encourages UNAIDS to explore more widespread use of generic
competition. This is a proven sustainable solution. The example of
Brazil is poignant. Through the use of locally produced generic
drugs, by the end of the year Brazil will be able to offer combination
retroviral therapy to its citizens at approximately US$ 1,000 per year
compared a global price of $10,000-15,000. Political commitment plus
high quality local production has already led to a dramatic increase
in Brazilians' access to Aids drugs.
In sharp contrast to this, an existing access initiative designed in
close consultation with the drug industry and managed by UNAIDS has
led to minimal price reductions. According to a leading Aids treating
physician in Kampala, Uganda the prices of some drugs within the
program can be purchased for lower prices in local pharmacies. The
program has failed because companies never delivered on promised price
reductions.
The solution to the access crisis should not be driven by protecting
commercial interests. What is needed is leadership from national
governments and participation from international organisations, the
generic and proprietary industries and NGOs.