Since its inception in 2014 across four countries, the Intellectual Property and Access to Medicines project, Make Medicines Affordable, by ITPC aims to dismantle patent barriers to treatment, has now expanded its reach to 24 countries across Africa, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and Asia.

The end of April 2024 marked a significant milestone in this journey towards equitable healthcare access. In Bangkok, 36 treatment advocates from these 24 countries met to kick off the Solidarity Project. This initiative, born out of a shared commitment to ensuring access to healthcare for all, allowed activists to exchange experiences, strategies, and challenges.

Representatives from countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, and Senegal shared firsthand accounts of the obstacles faced in their respective regions. From navigating complex patent systems to addressing systemic inequalities, their stories underscored the urgent need for collective action.

The Solidarity Project is more than just a meeting; it’s a testament to the power of community-driven advocacy. This initiative aims to influence markets and pricing policies, placing people’s health and well-being above profit margins.

One thing remains abundantly clear: communities have the power to effect change. Together, we can bring down patent barriers, ensure equitable access to medicines, and pave the way for a healthier, just world.

People before profit. Always. It’s through solidarity, persistence, and unwavering dedication that we will achieve our shared vision of healthcare access for all.