WHO on access to HIV medication

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

The WHO has finally posted the Executive Board document on HIV/AIDS.

The full text can be found at the following link:

http://www.who.int/wha-1998/EB_WHA/PDF/EB107/ee29.pdf

As the document has been presented as a report for the EB members

to note, it is unclear if there will be a discussion on it.

Here is one key paragraph to note:

" 16. To complement previous guidance on prescribing medicines used in

HIV-associated conditions, WHO has issued guidelines on the safe and

effective use of antiretroviral drugs in resource-limited settings.

WHO is drawing up recommendations on means to offer better care and

services for drug dependent people living with HIV.

In line with resolution WHA53.14 WHO has been working with UNAIDS

and other United Nations partners to support Member States in the

procurement, distribution and use of antiretroviral and

other drugs at greatly reduced costs so as to establish a sustained

improvement in access to treatment. Further, WHO is providing

technical support to Member States for improving access to HIV-

related drugs through participating in needs assessments and

backing for national essential drugs programmes. WHO, in partnership

with UNICEF, UNAIDS, and major nongovernmental organisations,

provides information on procurement sources

and prices of HIV-related drugs.

In May 2000, WHO, UNAIDS and other partners in the United Nations

system began a joint effort with specific research-based

pharmaceutical companies to explore ways to accelerate

and improve provision to HIV-related care and treatment in developing

countries. WHO has worked with other United Nations agencies towards

creating a context that helps Member States negotiate optimal terms

for procuring appropriate treatments, including antiretroviral drugs.

The expected benefits of this complex and resource-consuming process

have yet to be fully realized.

WHO has worked closely with UNAIDS and its cosponsors in seeking

options for Member States to extend safe and effective care to larger

segments of the population in need. WHO has participated fully in the

work of a contact group, involving Member States, United Nations

agencies, nongovernmental organizations and the pharmaceutical

companies, which seeks to advance the process in ways that most

reflect the interests of people living with and

affected by HIV/AIDS in poorer countries. "

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Access and pharmaceuticals have not been discussed in great detail as

of yet, as the meeting is moving more slowly than set out in the

agenda. We will keep you posted as new developments occur.

With best wishes,

HAI Europe

E-mail: <hai_in_geneva@...>