In contrast, if generics were available in South Africa, we could treat patients tomorrow. In the report, MSF challenges the international community to take immediate steps to bring antiretroviral prices down to levels that would be affordable to people in developing countries. MSF cited the UN vaccine and contraceptive programs as models of what can be done when international organisations, national governments, and the drug industry work together to dramatically increase access to essential medical interventions in poor countries. When countries are barred from accessing low cost drugs due to the exclusive marketing rights of the patent holder, international organizations should actively support the efforts of developing countries to improve access through parallel imports, and voluntary and compulsory licenses. In addition, the report shows that justifications for high prices of originators' branded products are overstated.
Companies can survive and prosper if prices are lower in poor countries.
More importantly, millions of lives can be saved.