AIDS treatment has seen progress in recent years, with about four million people starting treatment between 2003 and 2008, due largely to India's ability to produce low-cost quality medicines.
Indian-produced generic antiretrovirals (AIDS drugs) comprised 87 per cent of ARV purchase volumes in 2008. In 2008, Indian-produced generics accounted for 91 per cent of paediatric ARV volumes.
A new report released by the Journal of the International AIDS Society entitled, "A lifeline to treatment: the role of Indian generic manufacturers in supplying antiretroviral medicines to developing countries" concludes that Indian generic manufacturers have supplied more than 80% of donor-funded AIDS medicines to developing countries in the last seven years. It also explains that the TRIPS agreement - which has bound India to apply product patents since 2005 - has already begun to curtail the country's ability to produce low-cost generic versions of newer medicines. Trade agreements being currently discussed may further reduce India's vital role as provider of life-saving treatments.
MSF Board Member Suerie Moon co-authored this report.