This session will examine the links between trade and AIDS, specifically looking at how international trade policies impact on HIV and AIDS, poverty and human rights around the world. It will explore current barriers to be overcome in achieving universal access to affordable medicines for people living with HIV and AIDS, how trade infringes on human rights. This session will cover what universal access means, whilst drawing on India’s experience in producing generic drugs and the challenges this has posed to international trade agreements. The session will address issues around equal access to medicines for intravenous drug users and the need for increased public sensitisation about the needs of IV drug users. It will also bring a Pacific perspective on the issues highlighting how Economic Partnership Agreements affect access to medicines for some regions.

Speakers :

Nirmala Fenn : YWCA India

Linda Hartke : Coordinator of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA)

Anna Koshikova :Programme department specialist at the All-Ukrainian network of People Living with HIV and AIDS

Dr. Eva Ombaka : Coordinator of the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Ntw (EPN)

Ramesh Singh : Chief Executive of Action AID international

Tupou Vere : Director of Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, Fiji

Dr Sonja Weinreich : HIV and AIDS advisor at DIFEAEM