Harvard Universities Allied for Essential Medicines

Student Leaders in the Access to Medicines Movement

Millions of people in developing countries die each year of preventable and treatable illness. HLS UAEM, a sub-group within the HLS Advocates for Human Rights, works with students across the Harvard campuses to ensuring that research carried out at Harvard will be part of a solution to the access to medicines crisis.

The group works to promote medical innovation in the public interest and to ensure that all people, regardless of income, have access to essential medicines created at Harvard.

Student Action
One of every five drugs contains technology licensed from an academic institution. UAEM students believe that people in developing countries should have access to these essential medicines. In 2008-9, Harvard UAEM partnered with other Harvard student groups to lead the “Say Yes to Drugs” advocacy campaign. The students pressed for a transparent university licensing policy that prioritizes global access to Harvard technology.

In November 2009, Harvard made a major step towards shifting the norms of technology licensing by joining 6 major research institutions in a public commitment to promote more equitable access to essential medicines created in universities. Harvard UAEM continues to work to ensure transparent implementation of Harvard’s commitment.

Speakers
Student education and empowerment is a key part of UAEM’s mission. Educational events in 2009-10 included a symposium on delivering medicines to developing countries and a panel on prize funds as alternatives for encouraging medical innovation.

Social Events & Fundraising
UAEM works to build and maintain a community of students and faculty united in support of global access to medicines. In September, UAEM students co-organized a dance as part of the Say Yes to Drugs Campaign. Proceeds from the dance went to purchase medicines for a local non-profit health service provider. This spring, Harvard UAEM launched the “Just 50 Cents” Campaign and plans events to raise money for treatment of neglected diseases.

Learn more at www.essentialmedicine.org,
or contact Sarah Sorscher: ssorscher@jd10.law.harvard.edu