UNAIDS HIV Drug Access Initiative: Providing Wider Access to HIV-related Drugs in Developing Countries, Pilot Phase

Products are delivered by the pharmaceutical companies through the NPC to
either a central distribution point, which could be the Government Central
Medical Stores, or directly to the health care centres. Each qualifying health
care centre receives a single procurement number authorizing the centre to
purchase the type of drugs allowed by its qualification.
Information, Training, and Support
Information and training programmes for health workers, patients, and
affected communities are developed by the Ministry of Health and the
National AIDS Programme, in accordance with the recommendations of the
National Advisory Board. Information and training strategies address both
clinical management issues and the psychosocial support of patients. Specific
workshops will standardize the clinical as well as the social approach to
patients.
Community-based and non-governmental organizations play an active role in
implementing information and training strategies, and a crucial one in
supporting the community-based care, counselling and psychosocial services
provided to patients in all participating health care centres. CBOs and NGOs
are also involved in delivering targeted prevention and care messages to
patients and the general population.
Educational information and materials may also be provided by the
participating pharmaceutical companies. Those companies will also be able
to participate and contribute to the training and education programmes
designed by the Advisory Board.
Selection of Patients
Because of the tremendous need, and the limited resources dedicated to the
pilot phase of this project, the initial phase cannot provide access to HIVrelated drugs to all patients in need. Therefore, it is critically important that
every effort be made to ensure that the pilot phase reaches those patients
with the greatest need.
Rigorous and objective patient selection criteria is established in each pilot
country through a wide consensus process involving government officials,
people living with HIV, clinicians, ethicists, religious groups and others. The
Advisory Board has the responsibility to implement patient selection criteria
and ensure that they are evenly applied.
The Initiative is committed to ensuring that individuals who participate in
phase I of the Pilot Project receive ongoing, sustainable access to treatment
both during and after the pilot phase. Participating companies are expected to
ensure that individuals participating in the pilot phase will continue to have

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