Access to essential medicines is a fundamental element of the Human Right to Health. Since its inception, GRAN has been actively involved in advocating for access to medicines for sub-Saharan Africa. Advocating for legislative amendments to Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime (CAMR) from 2010 - 2012 was the issue that first galvanized GRANs into action. Since then, GRAN has not wavered in its determined advocacy for equitable access to affordable life-saving medicines.
Stark Realities of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on HIV, TB and malaria programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The pandemic has deprived women of work, and girls have had to leave school which has put more stress on older women. Violence against women has also increased. Climate challenges affect delivery of treatments.
There is consensus that the pandemic cannot end until it ends for everyone everywhere. As of April 2023, 70 percent of the world population had received at least one dose of a vaccine, but that number drops to only 30 percent in low-income countries.1 It is essential that people in all countries — not just in rich countries — receive the required protection. It is vital that Canada fulfil its commitments to support access and delivery of COVID vaccines to low-income countries.
GRAN collaborates with partners such as Results Canada and ONE Canada to advocate that Canada take a leadership role and commit to its fair share of providing equitable access to life-saving medicines and vaccines.
RT