The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria has launched an online tool to assist countries and treatment programmes in paying less for antiretrovirals.
The Price Reporting Mechanism allows purchasers to compare the prices they are being offered with prices already paid by other countries that have received Global Fund grants.
So far the Price Reporting Mechanism has accumulated data on drug deals struck by 17 countries for drugs and supplies used in the treatment of HIV, AIDS, TB and malaria.
The Global Fund warns that price comparisons need to take into account whether countries have least developed status (and so qualify for discounts), whether drugs were purchased direct from the manufacturer (cheaper) and whether a large purchase was made that may attract a discount.