Participants at a National Dialogue hosted by Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN) with the support of AIDSFONDS have called on the Ministry of Health to urgently address regulatory gaps and policy-related barriers that hinder local production of generic medicines and subsequently affect access to medicines in Kenya.
The dialogue held between 12- 13 October 2023, attracted over 55 participants representing affected communities among them civil society groups working on HIV, TB, and NCDs, representatives from the pharmaceutical sector, professional associations, researchers, lawyers, and academia, among others.
The conversation focused on the state of local production of generic medicines for PLHIV in Kenya, in light of the findings of a research audit undertaken by KELIN that was disseminated to participants. Other studies that were discussed included:
(i)An evergreening study at ARIPO Level and its impact on access to medicines; (ii)preliminary findings of a study on the classification and availability of HIV prevention tools in Kenya.
(iii) preliminary findings of research on the impact of TRIPs-plus provisions in Free Trade Agreements.
The dialogue and the research are part of an ongoing project dubbed “Challenging Intellectual Property Barriers on Access to Medicines.” With the support of AIDSFONDS, KELIN has been generating evidence and hosting policy discussions to address the impact that intellectual property barriers have on access to affordable medication for PLHIV in Kenya.
Going forward, KELIN plans to use the meeting deliberations to collaborate with CSOs, members from the pharmaceutical industry, and affected communities to engage key government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Ministry of Investments Trade and Industry, Kenya Industrial Property Institute, and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority to advocate for the implementation of study recommendations, towards driving positive change in Kenya’s healthcare landscape.
For more information follow KELIN on our social media platforms.
Twitter: @KELINKenya, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information, please contact:
Pesa Okania,
Programme officer | HIV/TB&KAPS
Kuwinda Lane, off Langata Road, Karen C
P O Box 112 – 00202 KNH Nairobi
Tel: 020, 2515790
E-mail: okaniapesa@kelinkenya.org
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
