From: rastern@sol.racsa.co.cr Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 20:47:47 -0600 (CST) Subject: ACTION FOR PWA IN PANAMA CALL FOR SUPPORT FOR AIDS MEDICATIONS IN PANAMA My name is Norma de Quintero and I represent PROBIDSIDA, a foundacion dedicated to the well being and dignity of people living with AIDS in Panama. In October of 1997, we initiated a struggle in which we are hoping to receive from the Caja de Seguro Social (the government health care provider) the new anti-retroviral therapy for people who have AIDS. At this moment in Panama, the government only provides AZT and there is also the danger of rapid resistance when AZT is taken as monotherapy. We have had conversations with government authorities but they have told us that it is us who have to take action if we want things to change. For this reason we are asking the international community to give a message to Panamian Health authorities by sending letters of solidarity to the following fax numbers. If possible please indicate your organization and from what part of the world you are writing. The text of the fax could be as follows: "We the members of ________________________________ support the actions proposed by PROBIDSIDA, that the "Caja de Seguro Social" of Panama and other government entities provide the new anti-retroviral medications." Please send your faxes to: Sra. Aida de Rivera, Health Minister Fax No. 507-227-5276 Sra. Marianela Morales, Director General Caja de Seguro Social Fax No. 507-261-2208 Sr. Ernesto Perez Balladares, President of Panama Fax No. 507-228-1061 with a copy if possible to our lawyer Sr. Ricardo Lachman Fax No. 507-264-4730 e-mail: Note to Readers: In negotiations with Central American governments, it is apparent that pressure from the international community has a very important impact, and that these governments do have resources which they will only use if they are pressured to do so. Your small investment in a fax may help to save many lives. Richard Stern Asociacion Triangulo Rosa Costa Rica