Switzerland-based Roche has introduced a new Global Access Program for HIV viral load testing to fight against AIDS, TB and Malaria.
The program has been created in partnership with UNAIDS, the joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund.
Roche has committed to provide its COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 Test version 2.0 through a special pricing scheme for qualifying organizations in eligible countries to support the Global Access Program.
The program has been designed as part of the Diagnostics Access Initiative, which was launched during the 20th International AIDS conference in July 2014.
This initiative will involve in expanding laboratory capacity to help people living with HIV in receiving high-quality HIV treatment services.
Roche Diagnostics COO Roland Diggelmann said the company supports the UNAIDS 90:90:90 goal and the Diagnostics Access Initiative by expanding access to quality HIV testing through affordable pricing to those countries hardest hit by the disease.
"With 70% of all people living with HIV residing in Sub-Saharan Africa, we believe our commitment can truly make a difference to UNAIDS’ goal for achieving control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic," Diggelmann added.