Generic AIDS drug plan supported

AFRICA: Generic AIDS drug plan supported

JOHANNESBURG, 8 Oct 2003 (PLUSNEWS) - 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.

[ENDS]

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