ABPI welcomes tuberculosis initiative

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has welcomed the announcement by AstraZeneca that it is to open a tuberculosis research centre in India to produce new treatments for TB that can be provided to the developing world at low prices.

'The pharmaceutical industry has consistently provided essential medicines for diseases of the developing world, and this is the latest example of the industry's determined commitment to continue this activity,' said Dr Trevor Jones, director general of the ABPI. 'It is easy for commentators to use the industry as a target for their anger and frustration at the appalling healthcare problems facing the world's poorer nations, but it is also easier to overlook the huge efforts and resources that we are committing to projects such as this initiative and those related to HIV/AIDS, malaria and leprosy.'

But the world's healthcare problems cannot be solved purely by the pharmaceutical industry operating alone, he stressed. 'It is essential that the others involved should also play their part - particularly governments in the rich world, providing the necessary support and resource; and governments of the developing world, making health a priority. International organisations, non-governmental organisations, and global charities must also be committed to this joint activity,' said Dr Jones.

'This initiative in India is just one example of our commitment - it would be good to see a similar commitment from other stakeholders involved in solving the problems of providing essential healthcare services to people with the greatest need for suitable solutions for their future survival.'