Oxfam says 'no evidence' AMFm has saved lives; Global Fund says claims are 'untrue,' Guardian reports

Oct 25 2012

Noting "[t]he U.K. government has contributed £70 million [$112 million] to the Affordable Medicines Facility for malaria (AMFm)," the Guardian reports, "The charity Oxfam has cast doubt on [the] international scheme that aims to boost the provision of the most effective treatment for malaria." According to the newspaper, "Oxfam says there is no evidence the program has saved the lives of the most vulnerable people" and "has criticized it as 'risky and dangerous.'" But "[t]he body behind the AMFm says an independent study shows it has improved access and reduced drug prices," and "[t]he Global Fund said Oxfam's claims were 'simply untrue,'" the Guardian writes, adding, "A DfID spokesman said: ... 'Studies have shown that quality drugs have got through to remote areas -- and that more vulnerable groups, including children under five in rural areas and from the poorest backgrounds, are now being reached'" (Dreaper, 10/24).