No company has responded positively. Political commitment to combating AIDS and improving access to treatment is a cornerstone of defeating this epidemic. For example, the political commitment of the government of Brazil has successfully cut AIDS deaths in half, largely due to its ability to produce generic AIDS medicines. The immediate challenge is to convert this generic price offer into action. The international community must now provide political, practical, and financial support.
Political support is needed for developing countries to overcome barriers posed by patents.
The UN system can provide practical support through procurement and distribution assistance. And donors can provide financial support by allocating funds for the purchase of drugs and implementation of antiretroviral treatment programs. An international meeting should immediately convene developing countries, UN agencies, drug manufacturers, and funders to determine the best strategy for implementation.