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Launched in 2001, Abbott Access provides the company's HIV products to 68 developing countries, including all of Africa. Through Abbott Access, the company offers two protease inhibitors, Kaletra and Norvir, at a loss to Abbott Laboratories. Determine® HIV, a rapid test for HIV antibodies, is also provided at no profit as part of the program. Abbott Access is available to any organization or institution in these countries that provides products to patients as part of a sound and sustainable program of care. This includes governments, NGOs, United Nations organizations, other national and international health institutions, private employers, private hospitals and clinics, as well as other possible providers. Affordability of HIV medication is just one of the many components involved in addressing the devastation of the AIDS pandemic in developing countries. It is hoped that this initiative, along with those of other companies, will encourage governments and other sources of international funding to help develop the infrastructure necessary to ensure broader availability of antiretroviral treatment and care for people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
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