U.S. Formally Accepts WTO Amendment Allowing Developing Coun-
tries To Import Generic HIV/AIDS Medications
-------------------------------------------------------------
23 December, 2005
The US on Saturday formally accepted an amendment to the World
Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intel-
lectual Property Rights that allows developing countries to is-
sue compulsory licenses to import generic drugs for diseases
such as HIV/AIDS if a country confirms that it cannot manufac-
ture them domestically, U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman
said, Xinhuanet reports (Xinhuanet, 12/17).
The WTO general council earlier this month agreed to extend a
2003 waiver that allows compulsory licenses. However, the waiver
needs approval from two-thirds of the organization's 149 members
by Dec. 1, 2007, to become a permanent amendment to the TRIPS
agreement (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 12/15).
Portman in a statement said the U.S. is the first WTO member to
formally accept the amendment, adding, "Our acceptance of this
amendment is an important step in the global effort in providing
the best access to lifesaving drugs" (AFX/Forbes, 12/18).
Several organizations that advocate for greater drug access say
the agreement is "too cumbersome to be effective," AFP/Yahoo!
News reports (AFP/Yahoo! News, 12/17).
However, Portman said the waiver extension "shows how positive
trade rules can meet the needs of developing countries, espe-
cially those who currently face health crises" (Xinhuanet,
12/17).
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation