Former President Clinton, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen Sign Agreement To Cut Pediatric Antiretroviral Drug Prices
Former President Clinton and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday signed an agreement to reduce prices of pediatric antiretroviral drugs in the country, the AP/International Herald Tribune reports (AP/International Herald Tribune, 12/4). Last week, the Clinton Foundation and Indian pharmaceutical companies Cipla and Ranbaxy reached an agreement that will reduce the prices of 19 different pediatric antiretroviral drugs in 62 developing countries to an average of 45% less than what treatments currently cost in the countries. One of the formulations, a new three-in-one treatment for children, will cost about 16 cents per day, or $60 annually, according to the foundation (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 11/30). There are about 20,000 HIV-positive children under age 15 living in Cambodia (AP/International Herald Tribune, 12/4). The country has 1.9% HIV prevalence, and few people living with the virus have access to antiretrovirals, AFP/Yahoo! News reports (AFP/Yahoo! News, 12/4). Clinton said the Cambodian government had made "steadfast" efforts to fight the spread of HIV, adding, "We have a hope that Cambodia can be a model for the rest of Asia and perhaps the rest of the world. And I hope we can make a lot of good things happen as result" of the deal (AFP/Yahoo! News, 12/4). In related news, Clinton on Sunday was made an honorary chief in Papua New Guinea after signing an agreement to help fight HIV/AIDS in the country, Reuters reports. According to Reuters, the Clinton Foundation's work in PNG includes providing antiretrovials, training physicians and nurses how to administer the drugs and technical assistance (Reuters, 12/3).
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