Clinical Infectious Diseases: Access to medicines for treating people with cryptococcal meningitis

In this Brief Report in Clinical Infectious Diseases, authors from MSF, Unitaid and the World Health Organization (WHO) discuss the need to increase access to liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcal meningitis accounts for 1 in 5 AIDS-related deaths globally. WHO guidelines strongly recommend a single high dose of L-AmB as part of preferred treatment, but this drug remains unaffordable in most low- and middle-income countries. A proactive approach is needed from manufacturers and other stakeholders to improve access.