Muwonge Henry an African advocate for universal access is with all praise to the Canadian government to start producing generic drugs that will boost accessibility to the vulnable youth. Muwonge explained that years before, when the race was only starting to find a cure or treatment for HIV, research centres and big pharmaceutical companies used the meteoric rates of infection in Africa, portrayed themselves as would-be health saviours of the poor people to win research grants worth millions of dollars.
Massive amounts of cash were sunk into research. It produced triple combination therapies (3CT), treatments which attack the life cycle of the virus at three separate stages
The 3CT therapy included a number of drugs that are required to be taken on a daily basis; such as antibiotics, antiviral and anti-cancer drugs which attempt to slow down the damaging effects, and strengthen the immune system. Hence, it is crucial that the medication remains in the body at all times, thereby making the individual less likely to develop more serious conditions.
“It costs $10,000 to undergo the treatment program as set out by pharmaceutical companies in Africa, however, the average "yearly" wage in Africa is just $1,000 for the lucky few,” he said.
He added that experts have said in the absence of pattents drugs could cost as little as $200.