On 3rd March 2023, KELIN, with support from Aidsfonds, convened a meeting with members of a National Think Tank on Access to Medicines to disseminate a research report and policy brief on the Intellectual Property Bill 2020 and update members of the think tank on the status of access to medicines in Kenya for persons living with HIV. The think tank which comprises members of civil society organizations, community groups, persons living with HIV movements, academia and media was put in place to engage and hold the government accountable for the removal of intellectual property barriers that prevent access to treatment to persons living with HIV.
Key to the discussion was the research report and policy brief on the Intellectual Property Bill 2020 and the necessary steps to ensure that the law does not create barriers to access to medicines. It was established that most of the gains made under the Intellectual Property Act 2001 have been maintained in the Bill and there are other improvements including the patentability criteria by the removal of new uses. Members also steered conversations on emerging issues on trade negotiations and specifically on the Kenya- United States strategic trade and investment partnership; monitoring of and status of long-acting Cabotegravir injection, Dapivirine vaginal ring and Tenofovir Alafenamide; implications of taxation on access to medicines and enhancing awareness at the community level.
The national think tank on access to medicines is now set to engage in a series of roundtables with policy and decision-makers. KELIN also intends to work with community members of the think tank to conduct public sensitizations of networks and community representatives on the Intellectual Property Bill 2020 to empower them to take part in public participation forums convened for the Bill.
To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms: Twitter: @KELINkenya using the hashtag: #Justice2Health
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information, contact:
Timothy Wafula
Kuwinda Lane, off Lang’ata Road, Karen C
P.O. Box 112 – 00202 KNH Nairobi
Tel: +254 020 2515790
Office Mobile: +254710261408/+254751292520
