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Generic AIDS drug plan supported

    JOHANNESBURG

    Mexico and the United States have offered to support a Canadian plan for the export of generic HIV/AIDS drugs to Africa.

    Canada announced its plan in September to pass legislation as soon as possible, allowing the manufacture and export of generic versions of Canadian brand-name drugs to help African countries tackle HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria.

    Reuters quoted the US trade representative, Robert Zoellick, as saying: "It is a fine step. We would certainly not take any steps against that."

    The Canadian trade minister, Pierre Pettigrew, confirmed it would be difficult crafting legislation that continued to reward brand-name companies for their research and development, while putting drugs in the hands of the Africa's ill.

    "As Canadians, we have a responsibility to push HIV/AIDS back, to put this decision in force. We have work to do and we have to consult the industry," Pettigrew added.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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