Do copyrights and patents limit access to HIV/AIDS knowledge and treatment in Africa?

The UNAIDS 2008 report confirms that Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the region most seriously affected by AIDS in the world. As part of the response to this pandemic, access to informationⁱ and knowledge on HIV/AIDS is vital, as disease prevention depends heavily on information. In a world where there is a price to pay for access to knowledgeⁱ, to what extent do patents and copyrights limit access to information and HIV/AIDS treatment for African populations, particularly the women and youths who are the most affected? This article explores the connection between access to information, intellectual propertyⁱ rights and HIV/AIDS in Africa.