Help MSF Stop Novartis from Attacking the Pharmacy of the Developing World.

In just two weeks, Novartis will resume its attack on people's access to affordable generic medicines, by challenging A PART OF India's PATENT law that puts people above corporate profits in the name of public health. The Novartis vs. India case heads to the Supreme Court on 28 February. ADD YOUR VOICE and join Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in taking action before its too late – jump on Twitter and tell Novartis to STOP its attack against the pharmacy of the developing world!

MSF relies on affordable medicines produced in India to do its work -- for example, more than 80% of the HIV medicines we use to treat 170,000 people in 19 countries are generics produced in India, and we also rely on Indian generics to treat other diseases and conditions.

Novartis is attacking India's law because it's the reason why the company was denied a patent for a cancer drug it produces (imatinib mesylate, marketed as Gleevec). The patent was rejected because a part of India's PATENT law ('Section 3d') says only new and innovative drugs merit patenting, not just small adjustments to existing medicines. This rewards true innovation, while protecting market competition that keeps medicines affordable. If Novartis wins the case, India - known as the 'pharmacy of the developing world' - would be forced to start granting more patents FOR ALL MEDICINES, which would in turn block price-busting generic competition and have dire consequences for access to affordable medicines for people in developing countries. See more information here: http://www.msfaccess.org/novartis-drop-the-case

So, TAKE ACTION NOW!

Click on the link below and send a tweet to @Novartis telling them to STOP the attack on generic medicines and drop the case!

Tweet #STOPnovartis: http://www.msfaccess.org/STOPnovartis/

*********
This press release is reprinted by Alanna Shaikh out of an obscure sense of guilt. It does not represent the opinions of Alanna Shaikh or any of her employers.

President Obama Requests $898 Million to Fund MCC’s Innovative Approach to Fighting Global Poverty

Washington, D.C.—U.S. President Barack Obama today delivered his Fiscal Year 2013 budget proposal to Congress, including $898.2 million for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to continue its mission to reduce poverty through economic growth. This figure represents level-funding for MCC from the amount provided by Congress in Fiscal Year 2012.

Since its founding in 2004, MCC has signed compacts, or large-scale grant agreements, with 24 countries, totaling approximately $8.9 billion. The agency has concluded seven of these compacts, each of which has finished on time, on budget, and has met -- and often exceeded -- the majority of its final targets.

The budget request for Fiscal Year 2013 is expected to support funding for new compacts with Ghana, Benin and El Salvador and new Threshold Programs, smaller, policy reform-focused agreements that help countries become compact eligible, with Nepal and Honduras. MCC is helping to unlock the potential in developing markets, serving as a gateway to opportunity for local and American companies, and incentivizing policy reforms that create an environment where trade and investment can flourish. MCC’s goal is to put developing countries on a path to self-sufficiency and promote sustainable, private sector-led growth.

“Our prosperity and economic strength here at home are linked to the prosperity and economic strength of countries around the world,” stated MCC CEO Daniel Yohannes. “The President’s budget request for FY 2013 will allow MCC to offer more smart solutions to improve the lives of the world’s poor and create opportunities for American businesses to tap into next-generation emerging markets to expand, grow, and create American jobs.”

MCC’s mission is to reduce poverty through economic growth. The MCC model is designed to produce a “continuum of results” from compact development to project completion and beyond with a focus on policy reform, transparency, and accountability.

MCC’s Fiscal Year 2013 Congressional Budget Justification can be found at http://www.mcc.gov/documents/reports/mcc-fy2013-cbj.pdf

# # #

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is an innovative and independent U.S. Government foreign aid agency that is helping lead the fight against global poverty through the promotion of sustainable economic growth. MCC is based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance, economic freedom and investments in people. To learn more about MCC please visit www.mcc.gov

*********
This press release is reprinted by Alanna Shaikh out of an obscure sense of guilt. It does not represent the opinions of Alanna Shaikh or any of her employers.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Commits $750 Million to Global Fund

10^th anniversary of innovative aid program celebrates millions of lives saved

Davos, Switzerland, January 26, 2012 – The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today renewed its commitment to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Gates Foundation is giving $750 million through a promissory note—a new and innovative funding mechanism.

“These are tough economic times, but that is no excuse for cutting aid to the world’s poorest,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. “The Global Fund is one of the most effective ways we invest our money every year.”

Providing funding through a promissory note gives the Global Fund the flexibility and authority to distribute funds efficiently based on immediate needs, leading to greater impact.

“By supporting the Global Fund, we can help to change the fortunes of the poorest countries in the world,” said Gates. “I can’t think of more important work.”

Global Fund financing helps developing countries fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This public-private partnership creates economic opportunity and makes those living in poverty less dependent on aid.

Since 2002, investments in the Global Fund have financed innovative prevention and treatment programs in 150 countries with high burdens of disease. The Global Fund continues to save 100,000 lives a month. The Fund has provided antiretroviral treatment to 3.3 million people, detected and treated 8.2 million people with tuberculosis, and provided 230 million bed nets to families to prevent malaria.

The new commitment is in addition to the $650 million the Gates Foundation has already contributed since the Global Fund was launched 10 years ago at the World Economic Forum, which convenes the world’s top business and political leaders.

The foundation commends the recent political and financial commitments to the Global Fund by donor governments. All donors – rich, middle-income and poor countries as well as the private sector – must continue to invest in the lifesaving work of the Global Fund.

On the heels of releasing his fourth annual letter yesterday in London, Gates continued to challenge global leaders to invest in innovations that are accelerating progress against poverty or risk a future where millions needlessly die. While there has been tremendous progress against AIDS, TB and malaria, more must be done. Through unique partnerships and new financing mechanisms, the global community has the opportunity to have an even greater impact and save more lives.

View the letter at www.gatesfoundation.org/annualletter

For a multimedia news package go to: Gates Foundation on the Newsmarket

*********
This press release is reprinted by Alanna Shaikh out of an obscure sense of guilt. It does not represent the opinions of Alanna Shaikh or any of her employers.