[Ip-health] 2 news from the WHA

[Ellen 't Hoen]

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


_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: 
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx