Conference Summary [Conference on Global Strategies for the Prevention of HIV Transmission from Mothers to Infants (1997)]

Drug Accessibility and Availability in the International Setting
* Drug prices need to be lower in developing countries than in industrialized
nations.
* Strong consideration must be given to "dual pricing." Lower costs for
vaccines in developing countries has been used and could be adapted to
drugs to treat HIV.
* Pharmaceutical companies say they are willing to work with developing
nations to provide interventions at lower cost. Still, there needs to be some
commercial incentive. Some funding may need to come from national
budgets. Communities need to identify adequate and innovative sources of
funding now so they are ready when usable interventions become available.
* Voluntary testing and counseling programs are needed in prenatal settings.
* A reliable distribution system and strong public health program are essential
for any intervention to be cost-effective. Neither of these systems is currently
in place.

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