We in the industry see the suffering at first hand. We disagree with those who believe that all we can do is simply wring our hands. We can build partnerships. We can set realistic goals and make real progress. Now, shipping drugs to African ports might make for good media, but it doesn't make for good solutions.
Progress can only come with partnership.
We will work with partners in government, nongovernmental organizations, other industries, and academia to reduce the suffering now and reduce the threat to the next generation. We can take a more holistic and ultimately effective approach to removing all the barriers of access, not simply the barrier of cost. We have a number of effective working models that point the way to progress. Pfizer and others have learned much from this early approach. At least sixteen of our member companies are pursuing successful models where drug companies, governments and nongovernmental organizations work together to combat disease.