[UNITAID: an innovative and collective financing system for the fight against malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis]

Malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis cause more than 6 million deaths a year in developing countries. And yet medicines allowing effective treatment either exist already or could be designed in forms adapted to the populations most severely affected by these pandemics (e.g., pediatric antiretroviral formulations suitable for developing countries). By providing sustainable predictable revenues, UNITAID promises to be a powerful tool to respond to the specific needs of developing countries in terms not only of leveraging price reductions but also of developing appropriate drug forms and diagnostic techniques not currently on the market. Stable financing as well as negotiation of large-volume procurement programs for several countries will make it easier for manufacturers to predict requirements and avoid shortages. UNITAID is an independent structure that complements the existing organizations involved in the fight against these pandemics. It intervenes only at the request of beneficiary countries using local human resources and logistics and works to improve the infrastructure facilities whenever necessary.