Global Fund secures deal to slash HIV treatment price; to benefit over 19 million

Source: The post is based on the article “Global Fund secures deal to slash HIV treatment price; to benefit over 19 million”  published in The Hindu on 31st August 2023

What is the News?

The Global Fund has reached an agreement with generic drug manufacturers to significantly reduce the price of an advanced HIV medication called TLD. 

This deal will make TLD available for under $45 per person per year, marking a 25% reduction in price. 

What is TLD?

TLD is a three-in-one pill consisting of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine and dolutegravir.

It is recommended by the World Health Organization as the preferred first-line HIV treatment for adults and adolescents.

This drug rapidly suppresses the virus that causes AIDS. It also has fewer side effects and is easy to take.

The price reduction of the drug will help resource-limited countries enhance treatment programs, prevention efforts and ultimately save more lives while reducing new infections.

What is a Global Fund?

Established in: 2002

Purpose: It is an international financing and partnership organization that aims to attract, leverage and invest additional resources to end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria to support attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations.

Secretariat: Geneva, Switzerland.