A/HRC/7/30 page 3 This report summarizes contributions received from States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations on steps they have taken to improve access to medication in the context of pandemics such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. It highlights that the number of people receiving treatment for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria has increased over the years due to efforts by Governments, civil society, international donors, and multilateral agencies. In some countries, the spread of these diseases has been significantly reduced, custom duties and taxes have been revised to facilitate access to medicines, and progress towards universal access has been made. However, the fact that a large number of people continue to live with, are affected by, and die from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria means that renewed efforts are required to ensure better access to medicines especially among vulnerable groups. The input received for this report highlights the fact that access to medicines is a fundamental human right. The need to overcome legal and regulatory, trade and other barriers that block access to prevention, treatment, care and support is considered critically important to the enjoyment of this human right. In this regard, the value of the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) and the Doha Declaration adopted in 2001 by the WTO’s Fourth Ministerial Conference were noted as essential to facilitating access. Nonetheless, the continued lack of affordable and appropriate drugs, especially for second- and third-line treatment continues to impede access to medicines, together with the unequal geographical spread of health services. Finally, the need to create incentives for research and development into new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria was also recognized as essential to saving more lives.