Using TRIPS flexibilities to improve access to HIV treatment

Overview

The right of every human being to access the highest attainable standards of health is now fully recognized by numerous national constitutions and legally binding international human rights treaties.

Access to essential medicines is now established as a part of the right to health.1 In the context of HIV, this includes access to antiretroviral drugs and other medicines essential for HIV care, including medicines for the treatment of opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis.