---------- 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
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