Roche announces HIV / AIDS partnership with PEPFAR

Hannah Blake

pharmaphorum

A public-private partnership has been announced between Roche Diagnostics and the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to improve laboratory systems in African nations highly impacted by HIV and AIDS.

The partnership, which has been valued at approximately US $12million over five years, aims to accelerate the training of laboratiorians specifically related to in-vitro diagnostics. The PEPFAR contribution to the effort will be implemented through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Strengthening laboratory systems is a priority for PEPFAR because 50-70% of clinical decisions depend on accurate laboratory diagnosis. The dramatic scale-up of anti-retroviral treatment requires strengthening partner countries’ laboratory systems, molecular diagnostics and monitoring, and human resources. PEPFAR is pleased to partner with Roche to strengthen targeted laboratory systems and thereby advance HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care outcomes.”

Ambassador Eric Goosby, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

“The collaboration between the Office of US Global Aids Coordinator/CDC and Roche demonstrates the unique impact that public-private partnerships can have on addressing health challenges in the developing world. We are confident that this partnership will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

Dr. Michael Heuer, Head of Europe, Middle East and Latin America, Roche Diagnostics.

Over 8 million people in low- and middle-income countries are on antiretroviral treatment, according to UNAIDS. PEPFAR directly supports nearly 4.5 million of these individuals on treatment, and is on track to meet to President Obama’s goal of supporting 6 million by the end of 2013. Despite this progress, tremendous challenges continue for local health systems in areas most affected by HIV/AIDS, such as sub-Saharan African countries.

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