Our World

CAFTA and AIDS in Latin America

I was checking out a few sites and came across one interesting issue that's going on right as we speak.

Over 40 million people in the world suffer from HIV, with more then 275,000 of them living in the six Latin American CAFTA nations. In such developing countries, affordable generic drugs help citizens survive each day. However, if CAFTA is approved this could mean drastic changes. The article stated that "under the pact American pharmaceutical giants would gain a five-year edge on the development of new drugs by low-cost competitors." The idea of higher priced medications has caused many activists to CAFTA especially in Guatemala, where 78,000 sufferers reside. They feel outraged at the thought of more expensive pills and treatment. Take this for example: a generic version of a top drug costs them $216 per patient as opposed to the original made by GlaxoSmithKline at $4, 818 per patient. Wow-that's a huge difference in price!

What's the American drug Companies argument?
Well, they feel that they're being underhanded by generic "copy cats." For exampe, it it may take them a decade to develop and design/research a drug. U.S. pharmaceutical companies spent more than $38 billion on research in 2004. However, these pills can be quickly and easily duplicated by generic makers. Not only are they worried about generic companies swiping our innovations, but they are also concerned about the safety along with these copied drugs.

I can see both sides to the debate. However, I feel that in these circumstances less fortunate people need affordable medications. If generics are the best option, then so be it. When aids is sweeping the country, people need to recieve the treatment they deserve. I don't believe it's right to steal our innovative drugs. However, what would poor countries like Guatemala do without it? That shouldn't be a risk we're willing to take.
*Check out this article for more info and a couple of personal stories.

CAFTA AND THE BIG ISSUES

posted by Anonymous @ 3/01/2006 09:38:00 PM