The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) has undergone 18 rounds of secretive negotiation between the USA and 11 Asia-Pacific countries. Aiming at a free trade area, this multilateral trade proposal covers all aspects of commercial relations among the countries involved. Despite some anticipated positive impacts in trade, specific articles in this proposal's intellectual property and transparency chapters might negatively impact access to medicine, in general, and to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, in particular, in Vietnam. Drawing on a desk review and qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 key informants from government, academia, hospitals and civil society, we analyse various provisions of the proposal being negotiated leaked after the 14th round of negotiations in September 2012. Findings suggest that the TPP could lead to increased monopoly protection and could limit technological advancements within the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, resulting in higher medicine prices in Vietnam. This outcome would have a significant impact on Vietnam's ability to achieve goals for HIV prevention, treatment and care, and create barriers to universal health-care coverage. This research provides unique evidence for Vietnam to advocate for more equitable pharmaceutical provisions in and to raise awareness of the implications of the TPP among the pharmaceutical stakeholder community in Vietnam.
HPV vaccine is effective in preventing human papillomavirus, the main cause of cervical cancer. In Vietnam, at first, it was subsidized at $5 a dose and reached the coverage of 96% in two pilot provinces, indicating potentially high acceptance. Currently, it is provided at $120-195 for three doses. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in two northern rural districts of Vietnam. Researchers present findings to show 53.1% of mothers stated their willingness to pay (WTP) for HPV vaccine for their daughters. Perceptions on cost and condom use were associated with WTP. Mothers' affordability ranged from under $23 to $46. Measures should be implemented soon to make HPV vaccine more affordable.
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