The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) commends Johnson & Johnson (J&J) for developing a pill that has shown promising results in a small trial for protecting against dengue fever and urges the company to ensure the treatment is accessible and affordable globally if it is eventually approved for public use.
“J&J’s treatment for dengue fever could not come at a better time as the virus is affecting many countries, especially here in Peru where AHF staff have been affected,” said Dr. Jose Luis Sebastian Mesones, the Regional Director for AHF’s Andean Region and Country Program Manager for AHF Peru. “Now, we have to hope that we do not see a repeat from J&J with the dengue medicine like what happened with COVID-19 vaccines – we call on the company to ensure the people who need it most will have affordable access. With warmer temperatures spreading globally, the dengue-carrying mosquitos will also spread—all countries that need it should have access to the treatment.”
The World Health Organization estimates infected mosquitos cause up to 390 million dengue infections annually, resulting in up to 36,000 deaths. The virus is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
