AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a global non-profit organisation at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS, has undertaken a global campaign against pharmaceutical giants including Gilead Sciences. In an array of activations including a press conference and protest in South Africa, the entity has brought to the forefront, the real lives affected by the high cost of life-saving medication to treat communicable diseases, with a call for the giants to put lives before profits.
This campaign is an empowered collaboration to combat pharmaceutical giants such as Gilead. They are spearheading a movement to ensure affordable and accessible life-saving medication for all, becoming heroes in the quest for global health equity. In 2021, Gilead generated over $27 billion in revenue and paid its CEO over $19 million in compensation[1],[2]. At the same time, Gilead has priced several of its HIV and hepatitis C drugs out of reach for many people, refused to register some drugs in developing countries, and has consistently blocked attempts to introduce cheaper, generic versions of its medicines.
The advocacy also saw collaborations with grassroots voices including influential youth leader Sibulele Sibaca (Sibu), Founder of Impact Drivers, a Gauteng-based organisation supported by AHF. Her personal experience, including the sacrifices her father made to obtain medication, fuels her to challenge the status quo. Her inspiring journey and her unwavering commitment to affordable treatment result from her witnessing the devastating impact of pharmaceutical companiesā exploitative pricing practices on her own family. Sibu, along with others, has become a passionate advocate for equitable access to medication.
AHF has a long-standing commitment to global health equity that aligns perfectly with its vision for a better future. They strive to create a world where affordable and accessible medication is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all. “We cannot idly stand by while pharmaceutical companies prioritise profits over the lives of millions,” states Sibu. Her powerful words resonate with individuals worldwide, inspiring youth leaders to act and make their voices heard. Through petitions, marches, and the power of social media, young advocates have the potential to ignite real change and shape a more equitable healthcare landscape.
AHF, renowned for its comprehensive approach to fighting HIV/AIDS, believes that addressing Gilead’s exploitative practices is a vital step toward achieving global health justice. The organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling barriers, advocating for fair pricing, and ensuring that no individual is denied life-saving medication due to financial constraints or geographic location.
In addition to their joint efforts against Gilead, AHF’s campaign aligns with the urgent call made by Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, to address vaccine and medication inequalities between African nations and wealthier counterparts. AHF’s mission echoes President Ramaphosa’s plea for global solidarity in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for fair distribution of life-saving resources.
AHF is honoured to support all the fighters of this cause, because of their relentless dedication and inspiring leadership. Together, they invite the world to stand in solidarity and join the fight for affordable and accessible medication for all, with particular attention to marginalised regions and communities. By empowering youth advocates and fostering meaningful change, AHF and Sibulele and everyone making their voices heard, are heroes on the path toward a future where health and well-being are universal rights.
āAs a leading global HIV/AIDS organization with over 1.7 million patients in care across 45 countries, it is our responsibility at AHF to take a stand and call out Gilead so that governments and decision-makers everywhere put collective pressure on it to prioritize lives over obscenely high profitsā.
With the help of many, the AHF’s impact in South Africa has been nothing short of remarkable. Through tireless efforts, they have brought hope and healing to individuals and communities affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Lives have been saved, families kept together, and futures rekindled. Their compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment has transformed the landscape of healthcare, instilling resilience and empowering South Africans to triumph over adversity.
[1] https://www.drugdiscoverytrends.com/pharma-50-the-50-largest-pharmaceutical-companies-in-the-world-for-2022/
[2] https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/gilead-after-good-newsbad-news-year-rewards-ceo-oday-192-million-pay-package
