Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Bay Area Reporter - December 10, 1999
Homer Hobi, ACT UP/Golden Gate Writers Pool
At stake is the ability of developing nations as well as countries with socialized medicine such as Canada to manufacture generic versions of essential HIV/AIDS drugs such as Epivir and Zerit (3TC and d4T) to treat those who cannot afford the exorbitant cost of brand name HIV/AIDS drugs. This political hot potato is preventing millions of people from receiving HIV/AIDS medicine. Low cost medicines are the solution to saving lives on a global scale. But while the politicians and the drug manufacturers argue, here in the Bay Area as well as around the country HIV/AIDS activists have organized programs to provide life-saving drugs free of charge to those who could not otherwise afford them.
For the past few years the African AIDS Network (AAN) and the Positive Humanists & Friends, AIDS Medicine Recycling Project have sent a continuous supply of AIDS medications to some 120 people in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Cuba, and Zimbabwe. Both organizations rely on donated medicines from people who switch treatments. These drugs come from a variety of sources such as hospices, clinics, and individuals.
The AAN and Positive Humanists groups work closely with AIDS service organizations such as the Laura Rodriguez Foundation in Chile and the Centre in Zimbabwe in order to ensure that patients receive proper medical treatment at no cost and that their progress is closely followed. So far the results have been extremely encouraging. Both organizations have been able to maintain an uninterrupted supply of medications to the recipients. As a consequence the results have been outstanding.
Following are some quotes from a few of the recipients:
"Before I came to the Centre, my position seemed bleak, with very little hope and my health deteriorating. After months of treatment my health suddenly began to improve, where my CD4 and CD8 blood counts began to go up, a real encouragement. This has given me new hopes and my social life has improved, my friends and family have also commented regarding my improvement." - L.P., Zimbabwe
"I had just found out that I had lost the drug lottery for ddI and AZT at San Jos hospital. My T-cells had dropped below 100 for the fist time and I was experiencing weight loss and diarrhea. I could only work part time. Thanks to your help I'm now back to work and have gained back my weight and my T-cells are around 450 and I have an undetectable viral load." - J.T., Chile
"James is doing very well. He had lost his hair and eyesight and stopped working ¡ his life was a mess and ready to go. Your assistance came at the right time! He has regained his hair and eyesight and is back to work feeling and looking great! Thank you for all your efforts." - E.K., Zimbabwe
"I got very sick 18 months ago and lost my employment. My family had no income and thought that they had lost their breadwinner. Within six weeks after starting the course I gained weight and was able to walk on my own. Now, a year and a half later, I am employed as a marketing consultant and my whole family is happy. All this is because of your assistance in donating the drugs, without which I would have died." - R.C., Zimbabwe
How people can help
Due to the limited supply of medicines available to us and the need for an uninterrupted supply of medications, volunteers with the ANN and Positive Humanists are very careful not to add more patients than the groups have resources for. The more drugs they have access to, the more people they can treat. This is where both groups need your help. If you or someone you know has an unused supply of HIV/AIDS medications, please contact us at (415) 252-9266. Or you can drop them off at the ACT UP/Golden Gate Office at 592 Castro Street, 2nd floor, in San Francisco.
991210
BR991202
Copyright © 1999 - The Bay Area Reporter. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the The Bay Area Reporter.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .