Charity Pleads for Cheap AIDS Drugs

The global drug industry and wealthy governments are under fire from the British charity Oxfam, which claims that by limiting access to the medicines and raising drug prices, they are widening the health gap between the rich and poor. Oxfam believes that developing countries must be allowed to inexpensive versions of drugs to help fight AIDS, respiratory infections, and childhood diarrhea. "The availability of cheaper drugs will save lives," asserted Oxfam policy director Justin Forsyth. The controversy comes just one week after the World Trade Organization created a dispute panel to hear U.S. drug makers' complaints against a Brazilian law that permits local firms to produce patented drugs in specific cases, including for AIDS.

Other CDC News for February 12, 2001
Gates Gives Booster Shot to AIDS Vaccines Brazil May Flout Trade Laws to Keep AIDS Drugs Free for Patients Roche Open to Discuss Patent Rights of AIDS Drug With Brazil Advertisement Charity Pleads for Cheap AIDS Drugs Patents	Undeterred by a Monster; Secrecy and Stigma Keep AIDS Risk High for Gay Black Men Protein in Placentas Said to Block AIDS Vatican to Give $475,000 to Uganda's AIDS Orphans Thousands Petition to Have AIDS-Awareness Classes in Schools