[Ip-health] Edwards announces plan to fight HIV, includes good language on medicines

[Kaytee Riek]

Here's the section of Edwards' newly released HIV/AIDS plan that references
access to medicine/trade policy:

Using Trade Policy to Save Lives

Edwards will enact trade policies that save lives, rather than protect the
profits of big drug companies. He will ensure that U.S. bilateral trade
agreements respect the rights of countries to access and use generic
medicines consistent with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and
Public Health. We must expand poor countries' right to safe, affordable
generic drugs to treat HIV/AIDS. The increased distribution of generic drugs
has been a step in the right direction. However, as millions of people
develop resistance to these drugs, we must be prepared to facilitate access
to more effective medications. As president, Edwards will support efforts to
increase the importation and production in developing countries of
second-line and pediatric drugs. He will also re-assess the Bush policy that
forces us to pay higher prices for drugs that have been approved by the FDA,
when less expensive drugs have already been approved by the WHO and their
safety is reliable. WHO safety standards are relied upon by leading
international organizations, including the Global Fund.

The full platform can be found here:
http://www.johnedwards.com/issues/health-care/hiv-aids/
--
Kaytee Riek
Grassroots Organizer
Health GAP (Global Access Project)
cell: 267-334-6984
kaytee@healthgap.org
www.healthgap.org