Latin America and Caribbean nations have agreed, in Brazil, to act together to increase the availability of HIV/AIDS drugs in the region. They will jointly negotiate cheaper imports of HIV/AIDS drugs, and will share information and costs to produce their own.

The 19 countries made the agreement last week at a three-day meeting on HIV/AIDS prevention in the Brazilian capital Brasilia.
It was followed by the announcement on January 18 that Argentina and Brazil will produce HIV/AIDS drugs together at a US$ 10 million factory they are building this year.

Pedro Chequer, director of Brazil's national HIV/AIDS program, told delegates in Brasilia that it was important for nations to work together to improve local capacity for drug production, because temporary price reductions are unsustainable in medium and long-term.

The meeting's final report, to be presented at the UN general assembly in May, will recommend creating ways to measure access to AIDS prevention, assistance and treatment in the region.

It will also call on the international community to help overcome political and economic barriers in negotiations over the costs of HIV/AIDS drugs.

Last year, Brazil obtained lower prices for several foreign companies' HIV/AIDS drugs by threatening to break patents on them and produce them in Brazil.

"It is fundamental for the countries to unite and to count on international agencies for support," said Chequer.

Science and Development Network - www.scidev.net.

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The Observer
written by Guest, January 23, 2006

To the writer of this article Marina Lemle.

I have noticed that you have said " Latin America and Caribbean countries have agreed in Brazil to act together to increase the avilability of HIV/AIDS drugs in the region."

You have specifically noted Argentina and Brazil but who are the other Caribbean countries? Do they have names? Do we have to guess who they are?.If these countries are suppose to have agreed in unity, should they not be mentioned? Honestly!

Could you be more forthcoming and specific about the relevent details which should have been provided so that the public can get a clearer picture of the facts.

Unregulating the press would do wonders in Brazil.

Brazilian journalism?

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But if you will produce AID drug.....
written by Guest, January 24, 2006

....it seems to me that then you will export the drug, notably in the caribean countries, you said.

But then why talking of IMPORTING Aid drugs from......wherever, and negotiating the price ???

Something doesnt match !

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