Signature Campaign For Access To HIV Treatment Launched

Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI) has embarked on a signature campaign for access to affordable treatment for Filipinos living with HIV/AIDS last March 1, 2002. PAFPI intends to collect one million signatures by September 2002.

The letter is addressed to the President of the Philippines. PAFPI calls on everyone to support us in this endeavor by signing and distributing the letter of support and returning the signed copies through fax no. 02-484-08-95 or by mail address 2613 Dian Street, Malate 1004, Manila, Philippines.

PAFPI points out that intellectual property laws allow pharmaceutical companies to inflate prices not only of HIV/AIDS medications but also for other conditions of which they are the patent holders. Taking action on HIV/AIDS medications will assist in the government taking appropriate action to deliver affordable medication to all Filipinos including those with HIV/AIDS, by exploring avenues to reduce the price of medications whether they are imported or produced locally.

LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT

February 27, 2002

Madam Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
The President of the Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
Manila

Your Excellency

RE: AFFORDABLE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT

As of January 2002, the Philippines has recorded 1622 diagnosed cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the virus that causes AIDS (or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). The HIV-positive person faces not only the ravages of the disease, but also discrimination and stigmatization as a result of their status. HIV cases in the Philippines remain undiagnosed because people do not voluntarily undergo counseling and testing.

HIV/AIDS is not curable, but it is treatable. Opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis can be treated, while the replication of the virus can be slowed down with effective antiretroviral therapies, which help the infected person to live a normal, productive life, allowing them to contribute to their communities and to the larger Philippine society.

However, the prohibitive cost of essential medicines and antiretroviral therapies makes these medications unaffordable to most Filipinos living with HIV/AIDS, resulting them dying in the most productive stage of their lives. The death of these people affects countless parents, husbands, wives and children emotionally and financially. Intellectual property rights protect pharmaceutical companies' profits, and prevent the Philippines from manufacturing or importing medication from other countries that would allow sustainable, affordable medication for Filipinos living with HIV/AIDS.

This state of affairs persists despite constitutional provisions that require the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people, including Filipinos living with HIV/AIDS, and to instill health consciousness among them (Art. II, Sec.15 The Constitutions of the Republic of the Philippines). Furthermore, the State is required to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, striving to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all people at affordable cost (Article XIII, sec.11). On June 27, 2001, the Philippines signed the United Nations Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, which recognizes the urgency of the situation, and which outlines concrete steps to address the HIV/AIDS crisis through specific means. These means including care, support and treatment, including both HIV/AIDS-related medication and antiretroviral therapies in the national response to HIV/AIDS. Care, support and treatment can also contribute to effective prevention efforts through increased acceptance of voluntary testing and counseling, and increased awareness and information dissemination, thereby augmenting current prevention efforts.

Madam President, we call on you and the Government to help us in our fight against HIV/AIDS by taking urgent steps to make affordable medication available to Filipinos living with HIV/AIDS on a sustainable basis.

Yours faithfully

Joshua T. Formentera
President - PAFPI

I support my fellow Filipinos' petition for adequate health care and access to affordable medication for HIV/AIDS-related conditions and antiretroviral therapies.

1. Geena Gonzales Angeles city
2. Ruthy Libatique Manila
3. Artuto Cristobal, jr. Manila
4. Dr. Jojo Sescon Makati
5. Malu marin Quezon city
6. Jonathan De Vera Laguna
7. Bryan layoso Quezon city
8. Rico Barbosa Pasay City
8. Beth Papa Cavite City
9. Dr. James Piad Manila
10.Josephine Nonato Bacolod City
11.Donald Banares Ilo-Ilo City
12.Roberto Ruiz Laguna
13.Jojo Santos Paranaque City
14.Ruth Mendez Paranaque City
15 Emil Garcia Nueva Ecija
16.Dolores Turtal Davao City
17.Ma. Theresa Cubero Malate
18.Elena Bejar Quezon city
19.Johann Malan Malate
20.Emilio Camingay Cavite City
21.Rodel Naval Tondo, Manila
22.Esperanza Penascosa Malate, Manila
23.Celestino Ramirez makati City
24. Josie De LaCruz makati City
25.Ma. Ana Bartolome Baguio city
26 Nelly Idia Baguio City
27.Juliet medrana Baguio City
28.Brian Salcedo baguio City
29.Adaliza Pugong Baguio city
30.Salvador De los Santos Baguio City