Description of the project

Standard first-line TB treatment requires a patient to take antibiotics daily for a minimum of six months. An unfinished treatment course can lead to treatment failure and the emergence of drug resistance. The first line of defence against the development of drug-resistant TB, therefore, is broad access to first-line TB treatment with appropriate adherence and treatment follow-up.

In response, UNITAID, through its partner the Global Drug Facility (GDF) of the Stop TB Partnership, is ensuring there is steady availability of first-line drugs in countries by supporting the creation and implementation of a strategic rotating stockpile of first-line TB drugs. The UNITAID-GDF partnership is supporting the diagnosis and treatment of more than 866 000 patients by 2011. UNITAID is also working to stabilize and further reduce prices for first-line drugs through the predictable, long-term funding it provides.

A.	Project title:	Cost containment, price reductions and increased access to first-line anti-TB drugs
B.	Timeframe:	2007-2011
C.	Amount committed by UNITAID:	US$ 26 841 025
D.	Lead partner:	Global Drug Facility (GDF), Stop TB Partnership
E.	Other partner(s):	N/A