The head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has said that the fight against pandemics around the world is being delayed as the German government and other governments oppose lifting the patent. vaccines.
«Copyright protects the fastest distribution and production of vaccines“, Stressed Achim Steiner in the German Agency.
Although there are always concerns about ideas like this, “the fact that there is a danger is not a reason not to take action now,” said the German UN official.
Temporary waiver of copyright protection is one of the many measures to be considered to reduce the chaotic disparity in the distribution and delivery of vaccines for COVID-19, Mr. Steiner explained according to the APE-MPE, cited by the DPA.
The reactions
US President Joe Biden recently hinted that he would agree to temporarily lift the protection of these patents. But Germany and Britain joined forces at the G7 summit in Cornwall to oppose lifting copyright protection to allow the production of COVID-19 vaccines without authorization in developing countries.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in May that she did not see the idea as a solution to make vaccines available to citizens of poorer countries. He argued that corporate innovation was necessary and that protecting the intellectual property of pharmaceutical companies was a prerequisite for it. BioNTech and AstraZeneca are based in Germany and the United Kingdom, respectively.
For Mr Steiner, however, the international community did not provide sufficient funding last year for COVAX, the mechanism coordinated by World Health Organisation and was created to ensure the fair distribution of vaccines in the countries with the lowest and middle incomes. As a result, he explained, these countries are now completely dependent on countries that produce vaccines and own their patents.
“We are not in a good position as a global family, as a community of nations,” the UNDP chief said.
The G7’s promise that at least 1 billion doses of vaccine will be distributed by mid-2022 is probably not only “not enough” but “goes too far” from the point of view of those who need it. On the other hand, it would not be right to blame governments for giving priority to their people, he acknowledged.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
