A Call to Arms: Why We're Protesting the HIV Medicine Shortage
We’re all aware of the HIV and AIDS crisis in the world today. Although there have been many advancements in science and medicine over the past few decades, it seems that progress has not been shared with those who need it most. With the current shortage of HIV medicines around the world, hundreds of thousands of people will die this year alone. This has to stop now.
This is where we are
In the United States, people with HIV are prescribed a life-saving medication called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART helps people with HIV stay healthy and live long, productive lives. However, due to a shortage of this medication, many people with HIV are not able to access the treatment they need. This is why we are protesting the shortage of ART. It's unfair that some people have access to this lifesaving medication while others do not. And it's especially unfair for those who cannot afford the cost of out-of-pocket treatments, which can range from $1,000-$2,000 per month depending on the medication. The U.S. government should take more steps to make sure all people have equal access to these medications; there shouldn't be any exceptions based on someone's ability to pay for it themselves or their insurance coverage. As I write this post, protesters across the country are gathering in front of pharmaceutical companies and demanding action. Some brave individuals will likely be arrested before day's end as they demonstrate outside of local representatives' offices. Join us tomorrow!
This isn't just about AIDS anymore - this is about fairness in America today. Will you join us? If so, please come down to your nearest protest site tomorrow. If not, please consider donating money to an organization like ACT UP New York that fights against inequality every day. They work tirelessly to keep up the fight and ensure everyone has access to lifesaving medicines. Even if you don’t live near one of the protests, please consider giving what you can. Donating online is fast and easy – click here to give now. Or better yet, text HEPNOW17 to 27722 to donate $10 immediately by mobile phone. Please help spread the word by forwarding this blog post on social media or texting it to friends and family members too. Let them know why our country needs change and how they can get involved too. With love and hope, JenJen
Most people living with HIV are prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medications taken once a day. These drugs effectively control their infections and make it possible for people with HIV to lead long, healthy lives. However, due to supply issues, many Americans are having difficulty getting their prescriptions filled. As a result, some individuals may have to switch their medications without doctor approval which could compromise both their health and overall effectiveness of treatment options. It's time for action; all people deserve equal treatment regardless of income or insurance coverage because everyone should have access to care that improves health outcomes for those living with HIV! This is a call to arms and a demand for equality. Tomorrow, protesters will gather around the country to say enough is enough. There are two actions you can take right now: 1) show solidarity with people living with HIV by coming to a protest near you 2) donate money to an organization fighting for fairness and equality everyday, such as ACT UP New York. By sharing this post on social media or texting it to friends and family, you'll let them know what's happening in the world and hopefully encourage them to become engaged too. Together, we can create positive change for the future of our nation! Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Stay tuned for updates on the national HIV medicine shortage. You can find out where to go for a demonstration on the ACT UP New York website. Remember to share this post and use the hashtag #HIVnow to help raise awareness!
This is why we are protesting
The HIV medicine shortage is a symptom of a larger problem: our broken healthcare system. The United States is the only developed country that does not guarantee its citizens access to basic health care, and this lack of access has dire consequences. People with HIV cannot get the treatment they need, and as a result, they are getting sicker and dying. The current system is simply not sustainable. We are protesting because we demand change. We demand access to quality, affordable health care for all. We demand an end to the criminalization of people living with HIV. And we demand an end to the stigmatization of people living with HIV which prevents them from seeking treatment in the first place. It's time for us to take action and put pressure on politicians who are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. It's time for us to show up at their offices, in their neighborhoods, in their churches, at every opportunity until they give in and act on behalf of all Americans. The HIV medicine shortage is one issue in a much broader conversation about the future of our country. A conversation about what kind of world we want to live in. A conversation about where those who have power stand when it comes to fighting for those without power.
If you believe, like we do, that everyone deserves access to quality health care, then come out and protest! Let your voice be heard! Don't let another day go by without speaking up for what you know is right. Spread the word! Share this post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, wherever you can. Together we can make sure that this message reaches everyone and changes lives everywhere. Stand with us against injustice, inequality, and discrimination. Stand against unfair policies. Stand against stigmatization and marginalization. Stand against inaction in the face of suffering that could be prevented if those in power would just choose to do the right thing. Sign up for protests near you or start one of your own! Join the movement today! Demand real change in how we treat those most vulnerable among us. Demand better treatment for people living with HIV and other chronic illnesses. Demand better access to life-saving medications and treatments. Demand that politicians represent all of their constituents—not just the ones who vote them into office or whose wealth buys them political favors—but ALL of the American people, including those most marginalized among us. And finally, demand that these injustices stop happening in our name. Stand with us and together we will build a new reality. You don’t have to stand by while people suffer around you; don’t let yourself become numb to the pain around you. When someone cries out for help, answer that call. When someone needs something, offer it up. Be part of the solution instead of being complicit in the perpetuation of oppression and inequity. Stand up for what you know is right. Fight back against injustice, inequity, and discrimination. As Martin Luther King Jr., once said Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. It's time to work together to bring justice closer than ever before. Time to fight for a world that is free of stigma and shame. Free of judgement and hate. Free of poverty and greed. Free of hostility and violence. That is the America we want to see. That is the America we are fighting for. The AIDS crisis in the 1980s was a turning point for our nation. For the first time, the public was exposed to people with HIV and AIDS who were stigmatized and discriminated against. They were often ostracized, denied health care, denied employment, and even blamed for their illness. The AIDS crisis led to a huge mobilization of resources to support those with HIV and AIDS, resulting in broad access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV. But the victories we achieved then are now in jeopardy. Due to budget cuts across our country and skyrocketing prices of drugs that are used in ART, people are left without access to medication they desperately need. We cannot afford to go back to the way things were. Lives depend on it.
We must take action and we must act now. It is our duty as citizens of this great country, as human beings, to speak up and fight for what is right. We are no longer going to sit idly by and watch people die in our streets, knowing that we could have done something to prevent it. We are no longer going to allow ourselves to remain complacent in the face of injustice, inequity, and discrimination. We refuse to allow ourselves to succumb to apathy. There is no more room for silence when people are dying.
We can do this. Together we will create a better future for everyone. We can live in a world where there is enough medicine for all people living with HIV. We can live in a world where there is equality across all communities - sexual orientation, race, gender identity, age. A world where every single person has access to quality healthcare regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status or any other barrier they may face. The key words here are together and we. You cannot change the world alone. You need your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and community to make real change happen. Don't be afraid to step out from behind your computer screen and into the light of day to share your voice with those who are listening.
These are our demands
We demand that the government do something about the HIV medicine shortage. Too many people are dying because they can't get the medication they need.
We demand that drug companies stop putting profits before people. They should be ashamed of themselves for putting profits over human lives.
We demand that insurance companies start covering more than just one type of HIV medication. People with HIV need access to all available treatments, not just one or two.
We demand that hospitals start stocking more than one type of HIV medication. People with HIV should have access to all available treatments, not just one or two.
We demand that pharmacists start stocking more than one type of HIV medication. People with HIV should have access to all available treatments, not just one or two.
People living with HIV deserve better treatment options and support. In other words, it's time for a call to arms! Sign our petition demanding the following things from the government, pharmaceutical companies, and health care providers:
-Federal Drug Administration (FDA) must approve drugs as soon as possible in order to make sure patients have enough medications
-Drug companies must provide affordable pricing so everyone can afford their medication -Insurance coverage must cover all available treatments
-Hospitals must provide at least six months worth of medication on hand at any given time so there is no disruption in patient care -Pharmacists must stock six months worth of medications on hand at any given time so there is no disruption in patient carecare. -The federal government must ensure emergency stockpiles of all necessary medicines, including HIV meds. The CDC has already done this with some important supplies such as flu vaccines. Let’s ask them to do the same for life-saving AIDS medications.
-We demand safe consumption spaces so people don’t have to use dirty needles when injecting heroinheroin. -We demand sex education to prevent new cases of HIV transmission and help those who've been diagnosed live healthier lives.
-We demand increased funding for research into prevention, cures, and better treatments--that means more money spent on scientific research rather than advertising campaigns funded by pharmaceutical companies.
-And finally, we want an end to stigma against those living with HIV. Everyone deserves respect and dignity regardless of their health status. That's why we need full equality under the law--so no one faces discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. And that's why we need good jobs, housing, food security, universal healthcare, and quality public education. Those things will keep us healthy and happy--and maybe even cure us of HIV too. So please sign our petition and let your voice be heard. Tell the government, big pharma, and health care providers what you want. Demand justice for people living with HIV. Our voices matter. Join us, won't you? Add your name to our list of supporters and tell us what you want. We'll deliver your message to Congress, the White House, and to those who decide which drugs will come to market. But first, add your name. Sign our petition. We need your voice to demand justice for people living with HIV. Your signature will send a strong message to Congress, the White House, and to those who decide which drugs will come to market. We need your voice to demand justice for people living with HIV. Won't you join us and sign our petition? Sign our petition and let your voice be heard. We'll deliver your message to Congress, the White House, and to those who decide which drugs will come to market. Add your name and demand justice for people living with HIV.
Let’s work together to demand a government that stands up for people living with HIV. Sign our petition now! Share the link with your friends. Contact your local congressional representative and demand justice for people living with HIV. Demand action to protect and treat those of us living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Spread the word to others. It's time for a call to arms! Sign our petition and demand justice for people living with HIV. Demand action to protect and treat those of us living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Spread the word to others. Together, we can change everything.
Here’s how you can help
The recent protests over the lack of access to HIV medication are a call to arms for everyone who believes that everyone deserves quality healthcare. Here’s how you can help end the shortage. First, reach out to your representatives and tell them about this issue and its importance. Contact your senator or member of Congress and let them know that you want an increase in funding for AIDS research, prevention, and treatment programs. Second, sign this petition to support increased federal funding for AIDS research, prevention, and treatment programs by 2020. Finally, share this post with your friends and family on social media so they too can be part of the fight against HIV/AIDS. Together we can make a difference! Let's work together to end the HIV medicine shortage!
There have been widespread reports that many patients cannot get their medications due to a shortage caused by higher demand and lower supply. In addition, most people living with HIV do not have health insurance which puts them at risk for being unable to afford expensive treatments if they do not receive any financial assistance from their providers. It is important now more than ever before that our government understands what this epidemic means in terms of human suffering and money lost; our tax dollars should not be wasted on pointless fights when there is an immense public health crisis happening right now right here at home. Whether it’s for moral reasons, fiscal responsibility, or anything else—the need for more federal funds to go towards fighting HIV is urgent. The United States has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world. With new cases emerging every day, how long will it take before we see real change? We've already seen politicians cut back funds for AIDS research, prevention, and treatment programs—now is not the time to stop fighting just because some Republicans refuse to believe climate change exists. Stand up against ignorance and indifference. Make sure you voice your opinion loudly as well as lead by example. Find ways within your own community to volunteer or donate so that others don't suffer like those without coverage. Demand accountability from your elected officials. Demand transparency and honesty. Tell them that these aren't empty words, but lives mattering enough to act now rather than later. And spread the word! Tell all of your loved ones, coworkers, neighbors and communities why this is so important--talk about everything you know about the virus and find solutions for everyone affected by it. Use your voice for good to raise awareness about this disease that affects 1 in 8 Americans - even if only one person gets treated because of you then the protest was worth it. Now is the time to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS, and this is a chance for you to play a part in ending the HIV medicine shortage. HIV is a deadly virus that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or socioeconomic status. HIV is not something to be ashamed of and it's always better to educate yourself about the risks rather than trying to pretend it doesn't exist. More than two million people in the US currently live with HIV, and it is a worldwide pandemic. The best way to protect oneself is to know your status, stay educated about prevention methods, and use protection. One of the biggest myths about HIV is that it only affects gay men or sex workers. However, this could not be further from the truth! HIV can affect anyone and everyone regardless of their demographic or economic background. That’s why it’s so important for both adults and children to understand how HIV works so they can avoid contracting it themselves. Many people are unaware that the virus can be transmitted through oral sex or kissing an infected partner without knowing it. The most effective way to protect yourself is to use a condom and practice safe sex. The number of new HIV infections in the US each year has gone down since the introduction of AIDS drugs, but this is still not enough. As you can see, AIDS is a very complex issue with no easy solution, so it’s difficult to create a plan that can help everyone. What does seem certain though is that inaction isn't an option anymore. We must speak up for ourselves and for others by demanding action from our leaders and taking action ourselves on whatever level we can. Our voices must be heard! Speak up against ignorance and indifference- make sure you voice your opinion loudly as well as lead by example. Be informed about HIV/AIDS! Reach out to your senators and members of Congress tell them about this issue and its importance. It is crucial that people with disabilities are able to lead healthy lives without being discriminated against because of their disability. Sign the petition now before it's too late! If you would like to see more content like this, follow me on Facebook and Twitter @EmilySaulsbury. Click here to take action today.
This Week in HIV
It's been a busy week in HIV news. On Monday, we reported on a new study that found that people living with HIV who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) are just as likely to develop heart disease as those without the virus. Then, on Tuesday, we brought you the story of an HIV-positive man who was arrested for trying to buy PrEP online. And today, we're covering the protests that have broken out over the shortage of HIV medications in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2016, UNICEF estimated that more than 21 million people in the region were in need of treatment. Now, only six months into 2017, there is a significant shortage of HIV medication -- so much so that stocks are at their lowest levels since 2003 and some countries may run out by the end of this year. The health systems rely heavily on these drugs because they treat not only AIDS but also prevent mothers from passing the virus onto their children during pregnancy and childbirth. If this continues for much longer it will be catastrophic for these already vulnerable populations. This is going to affect the whole continent, said Godfrey Osei-Kuffour, president of Ghana’s Pharmaceutical Society. It's going to affect all kinds of people. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has declared a state of emergency and requested help from regional governments and international organizations such as UNAIDS. So far no one knows why these shortages have occurred but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that low inventory could be due to manufacturing issues or import problems such as shipping delays. There have been reports of patient deaths in Tanzania and Lesotho due to insufficient access to HIV drugs. Public Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says his country has an extensive stock problem. A second major issue is affordability, especially when the price of generic ART tripled last year from $1 per day to $3 per day. While wealthier nations might be able to manage the cost increase, poorer ones would struggle tremendously with a sudden hike like this. One potential solution put forth by South African Medical Association Vice President Prince Mashele would be for African governments to form a joint purchasing agency where national ministries can negotiate prices together and use volume buying power against pharmaceutical companies. Some have suggested that the US should impose sanctions on the companies producing HIV medications in order to pressure them to make enough supply for the region. Others point to the fact that a majority of HIV-related medicines in Africa come from India, which is facing its own drug shortage.
-We're running out of time and we still don't know what caused this crisis. Stay tuned for updates!
This is not a new problem but one that keeps recurring due to inefficient health systems, lack of funding, mismanagement and corruption. The Global Fund's 2016 report found that only 51% of African countries were able to use its money effectively, with most left vulnerable due to fragile supply chains, lack of human capacity in healthcare management and corruption. To read more about HIV medication stockouts in sub-Saharan Africa, click here .
To read more about a study on heart disease in people living with HIV click here . To learn more about PrEP arrests click here . And visit our guides section if you'd like more information on related topics such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or health literacy . The short-term implications of this problem are not difficult to see. The loss of these medications means that patients won't be able to reach their optimal viral load, preventing the interruption of mother-to-child transmission, and subsequently worsening an already alarming maternal mortality rate in Africa. These drugs also contribute to early detection by improving the accuracy of HIV tests, as well as reducing stigma for people living with HIV who have been wrongly accused of knowingly transmitting the virus due to high rates of false positives. The long-term implications may prove to be even worse, however. If we cannot find a way to get these medications delivered soon, it will become increasingly difficult for many people living with HIV to afford life-saving treatment. Pharmaceutical companies are setting unreasonable prices while failing to meet global demand. And meanwhile, some companies continue making outrageous profits from patent protections which cost them little effort and expense.
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