Oxfam America Steps Up Call For U.S. and Other Nations to Support Access To Affordable Drugs For Lesser Developed Countries
14 November 2002
Boston, MA--Oxfam America today criticized the US, Canada, Switzerland and the European Union for failing to reach consensus on medicine prices at a recently concluded meeting of trade ministers in Sydney, Australia. At the same time, Oxfam saluted delegates to the summit from developing countries, who resisted strong pressure from other nations to abandon their position on affordable drug access.
"When negotiators meet in Geneva on November 25th, it is imperative that an equitable and workable drug plan is finalized before January, 2003," stated Raymond C. Offenheiser, President of Oxfam America. "Oxfam believes that a solution benefiting populations in the most dire need of these pharmaceuticals is possible. It is now a question of whether the U.S. and others have the political courage to get the deal done, and done right," Offenheiser added.
Oxfam recommends that any deal agreed upon in Geneva include the following provisions:
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Fair, permanent and economically viable production of affordable drugs, with no restrictions on potential suppliers.
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Cover all diseases, without any conditions or restrictions.
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Immediately take affect and be easily administered.
Developed countries with a strong pharmaceutical industry base are promoting reforms to the WTO patent regime that is intended to allow countries in need to import cheap, generic medicines. According to Oxfam, however, the proposal forwarded by members of the G8, including the United States, is grossly flawed.
Under this plan, companies producing generic versions of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria drugs, among others, must ask the government in the country of manufacture to override any relevant patent before export can occur. Lesser-developed nations importing the drugs will become dependent on the political will of another government to access medicines essential for saving the lives of their citizens.
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