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Access to Medicines

Millions of poor people around the world fall sick and die because they lack access to the diagnostics, vaccines, and medicines needed to identify, prevent, or treat debilitating diseases.

Oxfam is working in partnership with other groups to draw attention to two critical barriers that bar access to medicines in developing countries. First, we are publicizing the lack of innovation for new diagnostics, vaccines, and medicines. Second, we are fighting language in international trade agreements that would prevent poor people from accessing the patented medicines they desperately need but cannot afford.

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Host an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet® event
Raise awareness and help fund Oxfam's work by hosting a Hunger Banquet® in your community! Few experiences bring to life the inequalities in our world more powerfully than an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet® event. Organizers and participants alike can experience firsthand how our decisions affect others in the world.
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Oxfam in Southern Africa
Having fought hard for freedom from colonial and racial oppression, millions of rural poor across southern Africa, particularly women, still struggle to overcome social and economic inequality, natural disasters, and disease. They continue to fight for their rights.
Working together to end poverty and injustice
An overview of Oxfam America and our approach to poverty relief and lasting social change.
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Ending the R&D Crisis in Public Health
Investing for Life
Meeting poor people's needs for access to medicines through responsible business practices
The World is Still Waiting
Broken G8 promises are costing millions of lives
All Costs, No Benefits
How TRIPS-plus intellectual property rules in the US-Jordan FTA affect access to medicines
Patents versus Patients
Five years after the Doha Declaration
Song of the Sirens
Why the US–Andean FTAs undermine sustainable development and regional integration
Public Health at Risk
A US Free Trade Agreement could threaten access to medicines in Thailand
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Oxfam America Organizing Guide
Tips for taking action in your community
Oxfam America House Party Guide
Tools for hosting a high-impact event
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A simple guide to patents and trademarks

A simple guide to patents and trademarks

Patents and trademarks—otherwise known as IP (intellectual property)—and why it is so important for poor countries.

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Access to medicines means access to life

Access to medicines means access to life

During a US tour, Thai activists explain how a trade agreement could limit access to affordable HIV and AIDS drugs.

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