TAKE ACTION: Push for the Pool for affordable medicines worldwide
Written by Jonny Currie, about 1 year ago | Permalink | Campaign: Student Stop AIDS
Medsin Student Stop AIDS: Action action!!
Now is an exciting time to contribute to the Stop AIDS campaign and we’re doing all we can to make it as accessible and easy to do as possible. This year our campaign focus is on the “Push for the Pool”.
Over 33 million people are living with HIV but only one in three has access to the treatment they need to stay alive. This is often because the cost of treatment is unaffordable for poor people and the governments of developing countries.
Patent pools can lower the cost of life-saving HIV medicines whilst ensuring that companies are rewarded for developing new drugs. We need to push for a patent pool in which pharmaceutical companies allow generic versions of their drugs to be produced in return for a fair royalty. This will help people around the world access the medicines they need to stay alive.
For more detailed information please visit:
ACTIONS
2 minutes at your computer now
Join the “Push for the Pool” online:
http://www.stopaidscampaign.org.uk/PushForPool.asp
A few hours on campus Order some actions cards from stopaids@medsin.org. Set up a stall and drum up some support for the “Push for the Pool” on campus.
Day in London: Tuesday 24th March
Join our day of action on Tuesday 24th March in and around Westminister. This is the day to truly be inspired into campaign action, with a guarenteed buzz provided by the members of Student Stop AIDS societies across the country. If your new to campaigning this promises to be a day to inspire your internal campaigning zeal!
In the morning there will be a panel discussion with Ivan Lewis MP, a minister at the UK government department for international development (DFID). Then in the afternoon we will be heading over to Westminister to meet with our MPs to tell them about the campaign and current concerns: the establishment of an effective patent pool and the $5 billion deficit for 2009/2010 in the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Find attached a template letter to invite your local MP to the event.
The day will culminate with a campaign action: as yet to be confirmed but swimming pools are in the pipeline.
If you’ve not been active in the Student Stop AIDS campaign this year, not to worry. We can give support to interested branches and individuals to make the most of the day. We’ll welcome you with open arms into the vitality and energy that is Student Stop AIDS societies! Travel expenses over £10 and up to £50 will be subsidised. Contact stopaids@medsin.org or diarmaid.mcdonald@spw.org to tell us your coming.
At the Medsin Global Health Conference: 28th and 29th March
Join our joint campaign stunt with Universities Allied for Access to Essential Medicines (UAEM). To mark World TB day UAEM and Stop AIDS are asking for your participation in drawing attention to the issue of access to medicines and the role public support, univeristy action, pharmaceutical company cooperation and government commitment have to make in increasing access to essential TB and HIV medication.
Don't forget
Send photos of your actions to campaigns@medsin.org!
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