Access to HIV/AIDS Pharmaceuticals and Medical
Prohibits Federal Trade Pressure on African HIV/AIDS Drug Policies
What it does
Agencies must not use U.S. trade actions to challenge African laws that improve HIV/AIDS drug access and that provide intellectual property protection consistent with the TRIPS agreement.
Real-world impact
- Restricts U.S. trade enforcement against African laws expanding HIV/AIDS drug access.
- Encourages African governments to boost prevention, health infrastructure, and vaccine research.
- Permits U.S. officials to consult and, if needed, use WTO dispute procedures.
Topics
Summary
This order bars the Federal Government from using certain U.S. trade actions to force changes to intellectual property laws in beneficiary sub‑Saharan African countries when those laws expand access to HIV/AIDS medicines and meet international IP rules (TRIPS). It also urges those countries to strengthen prevention, health services, and incentives for research and vaccines.
It responds to findings that about 34 million people in sub‑Saharan Africa have been infected and about 11.5 million have died, and notes that treatment access depends on price, delivery systems, and financing.
Questions, answered
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