E-DRUG: WHA debate on trade & health
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[WB]
Dear E-druggers,
Yesterday I posted a message on a propsed draft resolution which had the
following text on health and trade:
"Urge the Director-General [of the WHO] to report to the next World Health
Assembly on international trade agreements, and the concept of global public
goods, emphasising current trade ptractices that are harmful to health and
prevent access to necessary pharmaceuticals and technology"
Unfortunately this text did not survive the drafting group and is completely
deleted from the draft resolution that will now go to the Committee and
Assembly for adoption.
The US led the opposition arguing that trade should not be discussed at the
World Health Assembly. Apparently Canada and Japan supported them.
Note that this is information obtained from delegates who where present at
the drafting group meeting. NGOs were not allowed to observe the
proceedings. I invite others present at the Assembly to provide additional
information.
The Essential Medicines debate has not taken place yet. The proposed
resolution on access to medicines also has language on the need for WHO to
work on the impact of trade agreements on access to medicines.
US, European and developing country delegates we have talk to assured us not
to plan to propose any changes in this resolution.
We will keep you posted.
Ellen ^t Hoen
MSF
ellen.t.hoen@msf.org