Access to essential HIV/AIDS treatments shows political will as most important factor for success

Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased dramatically over the last 10 years, according to a new report. Political commitment is cited as the single most crucial driver in helping increase the number of patients receiving treatment. 10 years ago, less than 10% of people eligible for ART in low and middle-income countries were being treated; today on average 50% of people are being treated.

The report, titled Evidence on Access to Essential Medicines for the Treatment of HIV/AIDS, and funded by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), provides insights into what measures can substantially increase ART coverage levels to over 80%. The report studied seven countries from across the globe (Botswana, Brazil, India, Mexico, Rwanda, South Africa and Thailand) which had used a variety of different mechanisms to improve access.

Political commitment at an international level has enabled an increase in the available resources in low and middle income countries from $1.6 billion in 2001 to just under $16 billion in 2010. The report states that political commitment at a national level is equally important and drives other factors important for success - improving domestic health system infrastructure, securing funding mechanisms, procurement, overcoming stigma through patient education, as well as establishing health partnership initiatives with international foundations and the research-based pharmaceutical industry.