The Global Fund has recently announced a significant reduction in the cost of an advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) drug, Tenofovir disoproxil, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir (TLD). The deal with generic pharmaceutical manufacturers will enable governments and other implementers of Global Fund grants to extend their treatment programs to approximately 19 million more people living with HIV in resource-limited settings.
Key Highlights of the Deal
The most crucial aspect of this deal is the cost reduction. It’s now feasible to provide the sophisticated pill known as TLD for under USD 45 per person annually, reflecting a price reduction of 25%. This reduced pricing means that treatment programs can be expanded to reach millions more people living with HIV in resource-constrained nations.
About the Global Fund
Established in 2002, the Global Fund is an international movement aimed at combating HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria, promoting a healthier, safer, and more equal future for all. The initiative operates on a three-year funding cycle, providing longer-term predictability in the fight against these diseases. Governments, private sector entities, and non-governmental organizations pledge funds to support the fund’s mission.
The Global Fund’s strategy from 2023-2028 focuses primarily on ending AIDS, TB, and malaria. The main objective is to boost investments and leverage innovations for faster progress in reducing new infections.
What is TLD?
TLD is a tablet that combines three antiretroviral drugs: Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir. It constitutes more than 85% of HIV treatments. The World Health Organization recommends it as the first-line HIV treatment for adults and adolescents because it swiftly suppresses the virus causing AIDS, has fewer side effects, and is easy to take.
Understanding HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the human immune system, primarily damaging CD4 immune cells. Over time, it weakens the immune system, making the body susceptible to opportunistic infections and cancers. The virus is primarily spread through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. If left untreated, it can lead to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome stage (AIDS), resulting in severe opportunistic infections that could be fatal. Though no cure exists for this infection currently, it can be managed using antiretroviral therapy.
India’s Strategies to Curb AIDS
The Indian government has introduced several measures to prevent the spread of HIV or AIDS, including the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. It has made Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) affordable and accessible to over 90% of people with HIV worldwide. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Project Sunrise in 2016, specifically targeting the increased HIV rates in north-eastern states among people injecting drugs.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Question
A previous year question from the UPSC Civil Services Exam stated: “Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?” The options given were Chikungunya, Hepatitis B, HIV-AIDS; the correct answer was Hepatitis B and HIV-AIDS.
