KELIN recently conducted a series of community dialogue forums on HIV treatment and prevention tools across three major cities in Kenya. The dialogues took place on 24th June in Nairobi, 25th June in Kisumu and 5th July in Mombasa; and focused on challenges posed by intellectual property rights restrictions to access to medicine. The forums cumulatively brought together 90 participants including community members as well as representatives from both the national and county governments, the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), County AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections Coordinators (CASCOs), healthcare providers, County Assembly Health Committee, County Assembly Speaker Representative, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
During the workshops, KELIN presented findings from a study on HIV prevention tools including those currently in the pipeline. The study report and subsequent policy brief delved into the classification of HIV prevention tools, and the significant role of intellectual property in influencing the availability, affordability and accessibility of these prevention tools. The issue of evergreening was discussed, a practice where pharmaceutical companies extend their patent life through minor modifications to existing drugs was a key point that was deliberated on with a notable example of Tenofovir Alafenamide being showcased to illustrate how this practice hampers access to affordable medicines
The CASCOs from the respective counties provided a comprehensive overview of the state of HIV treatment and prevention in their respective counties, highlighting the successes and challenges like persistent stigma and cross border patients who end up lost when trying to access follow-up treatment. They emphasized the critical need for continuous improvement and innovation in HIV prevention strategies. Community representatives also proposed the integration of HIV prevention services with outpatient services as a strategy to improve uptake as well as inclusive labelling of the HIV clinics. The interactive sessions culminated in a collective agreement to join the Global Movement advocating for Gilead to make Lenacapavir, a promising HIV treatment and prevention, available and affordable.
KELIN remains strongly committed to advocating for essential medicines for HIV prevention and treatment to be made affordable, accessible and available. Through advocacy, research and community engagement, KELIN continues to lead the charge in ensuring that intellectual property laws do not become a barrier to the realization of the right to health for all.
For more information, please contact:
Duke Otieno
Advocacy Officer-HIV/TB
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Kuwinda Lane, Karen C, off Langáta Road
