For the first time in the 33-year history of the HIV Legal Network, we have accepted funding from two pharmaceutical companies. We decided to do so to support our advocacy and engagement work with the Government of Canada, specifically to elevate HIV as a priority among decision makers and produce a “State of HIV in Canada” report.
Our reason is simple: we — like many other non-profit organizations — have been facing a particularly challenging funding environment wherein HIV, human rights, and advocacy are not prioritized as we know they should be. The situation is dire. Without access to this new funding, we would be forced to make some complex decisions regarding the critical work you have come to expect from us over the last three decades.
Our work has relied on a patchwork budget over the last years. A large portion of this funding comes from government sources, which — as current political decision-making demonstrates — is not guaranteed; new governments hostile to our values may cut our funding. Likewise, these funds along with those from foundations and international organizations are program-based and tied to specific activities. We receive only a modest amount of unrestricted funding from individual donors.
At present, there is even less funding available because of:
- Recent cuts to USAID and scaled-back investments by many donor countries (including Canada) in critical multilateral institutions, including the Global Fund and UNAIDS;
- Foundations moving from HIV funding to other competing priorities;
- Economic uncertainty and rising costs that have resulted in declining individual donations; and
- Movement away from evidence-based drug policy on the part of Canadian governments.
Today, we find ourselves less able to pursue public and other available funding that aligns with our values and supports our goals, and we are increasingly being forced to the courts to challenge punitive laws and policies, in Canada and beyond.
We have decided to accept funding from pharma based on research and relationships of trust with individuals within these organizations. Some people may be frustrated or hurt by our decision, and disagree with it. We understand your concern. For years, we have advocated for access to HIV medication that put us at odds with pharmaceutical companies. A key part of our work is, and has been, to ensure that people have access to the medications they need. This commitment will not change, nor will our advocacy positions on the issues we hold dear.
We will continue to fight back against laws and policies that affect access to antiretroviral and other medicines. We will continue to advocate in favour of better patents rules in international trade agreements and for legislation in Canada to regulate the price of medicines. We will continue to do our work transparently.
Please know that we did not take this decision lightly, and we remain available to receive your concerns and discuss your questions. We are accountable to you, and also grateful to you.