On this Human Rights Day, the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC) unite to spotlight the urgent need to bridge inequities in HIV prevention and treatment. While remarkable strides have been made, the promise of scientific innovation remains out of reach for millions, threatening the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
The global scale-up of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has transformed public health. Yet, systemic barriers, high costs, and restrictive patents continue to deny access to life-saving therapies for many, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Long-acting therapies like CAB-LA and lenacapavir (LEN) represent a breakthrough, but with annual costs exceeding $22,000 and $42.000 in developed countries, these treatments/prevention options remain a distant hope for millions. Pharmaceutical practices, such as patent monopolies and voluntary licensing exclusions, exacerbate inequities. This violates the principle of benefit-sharing and undermines global equity.
Health is a fundamental human right, enshrined in international law. Governments and global health stakeholders must act decisively to ensure access to HIV prevention and treatment tools. Equity is non-negotiable. Scientific progress must serve all people, regardless of geography or income. On Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our commitment to collective action, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against HIV. Together, we can transform the promise of innovation into a reality for everyone, everywhere.
GNP+ and ITPC call for:
– Compulsory licensing for affordable, generic versions of innovative therapies.
– Local manufacturing to reduce costs, strengthen supply chains, and address regional needs.
– Policy prioritization for key populations and regions most affected by HIV.
We invite all to join us in amplifying this call for equity. Sign the open letter and stand with us in demanding universal access to life-saving HIV prevention and treatment. Together, we can build a world where health is a right, not a privilege.
Read and sign the full open letter here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yp2G_t7X8lmzll1KmFh-CdIX3Qr0mkHHjAyT_T339e4/edit?tab=t.0
