---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 12:56:37 -0800 From: Charlotte Utting <[log in to unmask]> Reply-To: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [wa-afr] FW: [AIDS-INDIA] Access to HIV treatment in Rwanda ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 06:32:28 -0000 From: [log in to unmask] Reply-To: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [AIDS-INDIA] Access to HIV treatment in Rwanda Dear Forum members, The following message might be of interest to some since this is a major breakthrough in ensuring people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries have at least a chance of access to antiretroviral treatment. This also begs another question. If Rwanda can have it, why not in India? [Moderator] ______ REPUBLIC OF RWANDA: MINISTRY OF HEALTH **** Press Release **** Rwanda announces its commitment to accelerating access to anti-retroviral care and treatment for HIV/AIDS sufferers. **** Kigali, Rwanda: January 26th, 2001 The government of the Republic of Rwanda announced the signing, Friday, January 26th, 2001 of agreements for easier access to anti-retroviral care and treatment for HIV/AIDS sufferers. These agreements, made with four research-based pharmaceutical companies – GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Sharp and Dohme, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Boehringer-Ingelheim – in the framework of the United Nations' "Access" programme signed in May 2000 will permit: Easier access to anti-retroviral treatment in Rwanda Price cuts on anti-retrovirals of up to 90%, depending on the product, compared to prices asked in Europe or the US, or a total cut of 60 – 70% over present rates in Rwanda. Free distribution of nevirapine, a drug with proven efficacy in inhibiting the transmission of HIV infection from mother to child, to the ministry of health by Boehringer-Ingelheim. These agreements should allow for an increase of 4 - 5 times the number of patients who may benefit from these treatments. Free access to nevirapine will save even more children born of HIV–infected mothers. Mortality and morbidity related to AIDS have been greatly reduced in developed countries since the arrival of ARVs on the market. These treatments have unfortunately remained out of reach of many developing countries that need them the most – African countries in particular – largely because of the many barriers to access to therapy, one of which is the high cost of these treatments, which could reach $12,000 per patient per year. A challenge was made by Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, and Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director General of the World Health Organisation, and later joined by UNICEF, UNAIDS, the World Bank and UNFPA, to the research-based pharmaceutical companies. Responding to this appeal, five companies decided to join the UN in a partnership called the "Accelerating Access to HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Initiative". Rwanda, which had already launched an initiative in January 1999 in a framework of a national, anti-AIDS programme, was one of the first countries to show its interest in joining this international partnership and demonstrated it was fulfilling the principles set forth in the Joint Statement of Intent. What made Rwanda eligible? Clearly expressed political commitment that has translated, among other things, into budget allocations to make ARV's available in Rwanda since January 1999.The progress achieved in the fight against HIV despite extreme challenges facing the country. The training of a number of physicians in the treatment centres. The creation of a national system of auditing treatment centres. Local availability of infrastructure allowing for adequate follow-up of patients on ARV therapy. Availability of a secure distribution system capable of ensuring proper storage and distribution of drugs. The commitment of Rwanda's other partners to get more involved in improving HIV patient management. Inclusion of ARVs on a list which resulted in the exemption from taxes on these drugs The Rwandan government is very pleased with the terms of the agreements with individual companies reached with UNAIDS facilitation. Furthermore, it considers prevention an absolute priority and that all will be done to facilitate access to these treatments. Therefore, the government of Rwanda is launching an appeal to its international partners to help the country reach these objectives. A combination of three drugs will be available to patients for a cost ranging from US$64 to US$161 per month per patient. Media Inquiries: Dr. Innocent NTAGANIRA Director of the PNLS Ministry of Health Kigali, RWANDA Tel: + 250.78.471/472 Fax: + 250.78.473 Mob: +250.0830.1817 To Post a message, send it to: [log in to unmask] To Unsubscribe, send a blank message to: [log in to unmask] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-~> eGroups is now Yahoo! 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