E-DRUG: Clarification on MSF statement on LDC extension at WTO
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Following discussions on this list, please see a clarification to the
recent MSF statement on the outcome of the least-developed countries (LDCs)
negotiations:
- MSF welcomes the effort LDCs have made in trying to get a more
comprehensive extension.
- MSF views the compromise as unsatisfactory in that the exemption is still
time-bound (until 1 July 2021), instead of applying for as long as a
country is classified as 'least-developed' . By refusing to grant them a
longer and more complete extension, the US and EU are deliberately ignoring
the health challenges faced by LDCs.
- Given these shortcomings, MSF urges LDCs to request a more comprehensive
extension (i.e. not time bound and without subjecting to any binding or
non-binding conditions.) before the exemption period specifically related
to pharmaceutical products (granted in 2002) comes to its end on 1 January
2016. Note that the waiver agreed this week is without prejudice to the
extension period on pharmaceutical products, but in general it does cover
pharmaceutical products, which was not clear from the initial MSF reaction.
- Positively, however, LDCs are now in a position to roll-back existing
level of IP protection to meet domestic policy objectives, and should do
this in the years ahead.
Joanna Keenan
Press Officer
Medecins Sans Frontieres - Access Campaign
P: +41 22 849 87 45
M: +41 79 203 13 02
E: joanna.keenan[at]geneva.msf.org