Accessibility to HIV/AIDS medications in resource-limited countries

honors thesisCollege of HumanitiesInternational StudiesThis research examines the impact of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) on accessibility to HIV/AIDS medications for populations in resource-limited countries. This World Trade Organization agreement created provisions by which these countries can obtain or manufacture HIV/AIDS drugs at reduced prices, but also affirmed the intellectual property rights ofpharmaceutica1 companies to their drugs. '1'0 achieve a thorough understanding of its impact several other factors that affect accessibility to HIVIAiDS medications. beneficially or detrimentally, \vere analyzed and compared to the TRIPS agreement; these factors include foreign aid, drug pricing inequality, patent pools, independent actions of drug companies, and political pressure. Research was conducted through literary review. using primary sources including academic articles. news and magazine articles and information from governmental organizations like the World Trade Organization and the World Health Organization. This research recognizes the detrimental effect of the TRIPS agreement on accessibility of HiYIAIDS medications globally. However. the analysis of the aforementioned factors illuminates the positive effects of multiple other participants and organizations, which may negate, partially or fully, the ramifications of the TRIPS agreement. this research concludes that fundamental factors, including physical obstacles like a lack of infrastructure and dispersal of HlV. AIDS-affected populations in rural areas, social obstacles like ethnic fractionalization and stigma. and political "'0"'-'-""''-'-' like government corruption. inefficiency and lack of economic prosperity. have the most deleterious effect upon HIY/AIDS drug accessibility. Instead of focusing on the ii TRJPS agreement as a singular determinant. these deep-rooted issues must take precedence and will require more time, cooperation and political will to change on a national and global scale. Until the affected countries are willing to assume responsibility for drug accessibility and the fundamental issues that affect it, it will be impossible to realize widespread progress in treating HIYlArDS in resource-limited populations