Madam, - Without a doubt emotions are running high here in Bangkok at the 15th International Conference on HIV/AIDS. The media have portrayed some of this emotion by covering the daily demonstrations which for the most part are against the major sponsors, i.e. the drug companies. However, what they have failed to capture is the lavish corporate entertainment taking place nightly in the top hotels and restaurants in Bangkok, hosted by the same drug companies, with no expense spared.
With so many people at this conference representing the millions who have no access to the drugs manufactured by these pharmaceutical giants, this crass display of corporate behaviour is, to say the least, grotesque.
However, despite the endless arguments and court cases about patent rights, Médecins Sans Frontières and other NGOs have succeeded in paving the way for the generic versions of these life- saving drugs to get through and they are slowly reaching those in need.
Now is the time for these pharmaceutical giants to make reparation for their actions that have lead to the deaths of so many and to work with the various funding agencies in ensuring that the infrastructure and human resources are made available in the various countries to ensure the safe distribution of the drugs to those who so desperately need them. - Yours, etc.
MARY DONOHOE, Chairperson, The Rose Project - AIDS in Africa, Bangkok, Thailand.