Access to HIV treatment in Rwanda

[Guest guest]

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 – GlaxoKline, 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 n, 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