HIV response under lens of indigenous rights

Shobha Shukla – CNS
Contd from previous issue
They should be included in all the discussions between governments and other stakeholders, because without their voices, the global response to HIV will remain invisible and silent, incomplete, and profoundly unequal. In terms of public health and rights, all vulnerable populations, including Indigenous people in the Latin American region must have access to all state-of-the-art HIV medications at low costs. These medications should be included in the treatment norms in a holistic manner.
The latest case in point is the announcement by pharmaceutical company Gilead to authorise generic production of lencapavir- a twice yearly, long-acting injectable medication for the prevention of HIV - and its sale at voluntary licensing prices in 120 low-income countries. But it has excluded many countries of LAC region, where the generic version can be sold. Even Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru- people of which had participated in the clinical studies of lenacapavir conducted by Gilead- have been excluded. This is highly unethical and unjust. The end of AIDS requires facilitating access to medications at affordable costs for all populations- indigenous as well as non-i ndigenous- in need of them. We need to walk the talk on "leave no one behind" mantra which underpins the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs with its promise to "leave no one behind," offers a clear path toward a world where all voices are heard, all cultures are respected, and inequalities are replaced with opportunities and rights. Racism, stigma, and discrimination must be eradicated to protect the human rights of people living with HIV in all communities.
The writer is award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service) and is a feminist, health and development justice advocate. She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College and current Coordinator of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA). She coordinates SHE & Rights Media Initiative (Sexual health with equity and rights).  Follow her on Twitter @shobha1shukla.