PARTNERSHIP BRINGS HOPE TO ROMANIA’S CHILDREN

All HIV-positive patients in Romania who need treatment now have access

NEW YORK, May 9, 2002 – The Government of Romania is now providing access to antiretroviral medicines for all HIV-positive people in the country who need treatment, President of Romania Ion Iliescu announced here today during a panel discussion held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on Children.  

The former communist regime left Romania with the difficult legacy of having to cope with more than half – nearly 60 percent – of Europe’s pediatric AIDS cases. In the late-1980’s, thousands of children were infected with the deadly HIV virus potentially through wide-scale blood transfusions and the reuse of disposable syringes. But the Government of Romania has turned this dramatic situation into a public health success through careful planning and committed action. Today, Romania is one of the few countries in the world – and the only one in Eastern Europe – to provide universal ARV coverage to their HIV-positive population. 

“More positive action steps are in the pipeline. Coherent programs are being implemented for preventing HIV transmission, particularly among young people and other high-risks groups. The Ministry of Education and Research has launched a health – awareness program in schools to provide basic information and increase the motivation for responsible sexual behavior,” President Iliescu said during the panel. 

Romania has achieved the goal of treatment for all HIV patients who need it, including the thousands of children who are now living with the disease, consistent with international standards of care. This is due to a focused strategy and active partnerships like the one established with Merck & Co., Inc. to improve Romanian healthcare infrastructure, backed with a strong political commitment to fight the epidemic and a focus on increasing resource allocation for treatment and care.  

Romania’s partnership with U.S.-based Merck has been a key driver contributing to the success of the HIV/AIDS plan in Romania. Since 1997, Merck has worked closely with the government to support improvements in the country’s HIV/AIDS care infrastructure. This includes establishing state-of-the-art treatment facilities, implementation of a national disease database, and other initiatives to raise the standard of care for children and adults with HIV in Romania. Merck has also provided substantially discounted prices for their HIV drugs. 

“The Government of Romania deserves high praise for its achievement in dealing with the devastating problem of HIV/AIDS,” said President Per Wold-Olsen. “Working together we have been able to increase access to care and treatment for those who need it, bringing hope and new life to children and adults in Romania. This demonstrates that, when the right policies are in place --backed by commitment and action -- public/private partnerships can effectively increase access to HIV care and treatment.”  

In 1997, only about 30 adults and children were receiving care and treatment consistent with international standards. Today, more than 4,000 patients who need antiretroviral therapy according to national and international (International AIDS Society) guidelines are being treated -- 92 percent are currently on triple combination therapy and the remaining 8 percent are being successfully treated on other regimens. In all, nearly 5,000 children and 2,000 adults in Romania are currently diagnosed with HIV. 

“A key to addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic is to establish effective and creative public-private partnerships”, said former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. “This is a fine example of a collaboration that really works.”  

Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mircea Geoana, Minister of Health and Families, Ms. Daniela Bartos, and the Chairman of the Romanian Anti-AIDS Commission, Mr. Adrian Streinu – Cercel, also participated in the panel, along with Mr. Per Wold-Olsen, President, Human Health – Europe, Middle East &Africa, for Merck & Co., Inc. Ms. Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State and Chairman of The Albright Group, moderated the panel.