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AIDS Activists Confront Magic Johnson At Abbott Forum |
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Friday, 27 April 2007 |
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Former NBA Star Voices Support for Activist Demands for Access for Poor Countries
BROOKLYN, April 26 - Earvin "Magic" Johnson, spokesperson for Abbott Laboratories, voiced support for activist demands that Abbott cease its efforts to block generic versions of its HIV drug Kaletra in Thailand and other countries, at a forum sponsored by Abbott at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York.
When confronted by a dozen activists holding signs that read, "Magic: Help Us Get Kaletra To Thailand" and "Abbott's Greed Kills PWAs In Thailand," Johnson first responded by saying, "Let's give them a round of applause." When pressed about Abbott's actions, he stated, "I'm on it. I'm talking to Abbott about it."
ACTUP/NY was participating in a Global Day of Action condemning Abbott Laboratories for their recent move in Thailand to pull seven new medications from the country in retaliation to the Thai government's lawful attempts to secure access to affordable generic medicines for its citizens. AIDS activists in Thailand have called for this day of action which coincides with Abbott Laboratories April 27 shareholder meeting in Chicago. Dozens of related protests will be occurring in several countries throughout the world calling on Abbott to stop threatening the public health of Thailand.
"While Magic Johnson enjoys easy access to Abbott's lifesaving medications, countless others in need of HIV treatment across the globe are left out by Abbott's unfair practices of setting overly expensive prices and blocking legal generic production," stated Johnny Guaylupo of ACTUP/NY.
"Abbott has really exposed the depths of their greed this time as they attempt to protect their profits by resorting to blackmail that puts Thai lives in the balance. We need Magic to take a stand against his sponsor's abusive practices," said Amanda Lugg of ACTUP/NY.
"Magic Johnson was known for his gutsy play on the basketball court, but where is that courage and leadership now as people with AIDS in Thailand and around the world are being denied access to the Abbott medication he endorses?" remarked long-time ACTUP/NY member Ken Bing.
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