HIV/Aids medicines must be free for everyone who needs them in the developing world, or there will be no hope of reaching the United Nations target of three million being treated by 2005, doctors, economists and institutions say on Tuesday.
A declaration which has 600 high-level signatories from around the world is being presented to the World Health Organisation, UNAids, the World Bank and donor countries. Although drugs to keep people alive are being rolled out in poor countries, only 4% of the 5,5-million who need them are receiving them, it says, and fees charged in many places — however low — are preventing people from getting treatment.
”The push for access to antiretroviral treatment has greater momentum than ever before. For many it will mean the difference, literally, between life and death,” said Stephen Lewis, the UN special envoy for HIV/Aids in Africa who is a signatory to the declaration.
”However, if it is not free then the poor will not benefit. This declaration clearly sets out why treatment should be available free. It is deserving of our support.”
Some countries give out free drugs but charge for tests or consultations. Others ask for a contribution towards the cost of the medicines. – Guardian Unlimited Â