Drug firms pledge with WHO to combat AIDS

In a joint statement, WHO (the World Health Organization) and IFPMA (the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers) committed themselves to use their expertise "towards the resolution of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to explore all possible areas for cooperation". Work towards discovering and developing new drugs and vaccines would proceed as rapidly as possible. In the statement, each institution defined its roles in the research, development and marketing and distribution of HIV/AIDS drugs and vaccines, with special attention to the respect of ethical standards in clinical trials, and to the accessibility of any drugs and vaccines which become available. One of WHO's main objectives is to promote the development of safe and effective new HIV/AIDS products which will be made available at prices that take into account the limited financial means of the public sector to purchase medical supplies for use in developing countries. By the year 2000, according to WHO projections, up to 40 million people may have been infected with HIV since the start of the pandemic. At the end of 1993 the cumulative number of infections was 15 million. Most new infections will occur, as they have in the past, in countries least able to afford adequate prevention measures or suitable treatment. The joint statement reflects the deep concern of IFPMA and WHO for the devastating impact HIV/AIDS can have in such countries--not only on the health of their populations, but also socially or economically.