We understand that the government is about to begin negotiations with the US for a Free trade Agreement (FTA). As a group representing people living with HIV/Aids (PLWHAs) in our country, we are very concerned that the life-saving medicines we need may become even more unaffordable if a FTA is signed with the US.

Excessive, high prices of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) due to patents in the hands of some big global drug companies have led to worldwide outcry in recent years. When there was competition from generic ARVs used to treat Aids, the prices of patented drugs fell from US$11,000 (about RM40,000) per patient per year to US$150 (about RM600) per patient per year. Even then, this is too expensive for those who are poor and in need of treatment. That is why generic drugs are so very important.