Open Letters: Civil society calls on Abbott and BD to ensure access to HIV CD4 tests

CD4 tests, which count the number of CD4 cells in a blood sample, are an essential tool for the clinical management of people living with HIV. Point-of-care diagnostic devices enable CD4 testing near the patient, allowing rapid results and clinical decision-making. However, global access to point-of-care CD4 tests is under threat due to business decisions by the manufacturers Abbott and BD Biosciences to reduce their production.

MSF and civil society organisations sent these letters to Abbott and BD Biosciences, calling on the corporations to reverse their business decisions and continue production and access to lifesaving CD4 diagnostic tests.

Update: Abbott and BD Biosciences sent response letters dated 10 and 11 July 2023, respectively, available for download above.