MSF Briefing Document on WTO August 30 Solution and Its Implementation in Canada

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Dear Colleagues,

On the occasion of the XVI International Conference on AIDS in Toronto, MSF

is releasing a detailed analysis of the challenges associated with the WTO

August 30th Decision- intended to allow generic pharmaceutical

manufacturers to export life-saving medicines to developing countries - and

the organization's experience with Canada's implementation of the Decision

through the Chrétien Pledge to Africa. MSF was among the first actors

to attempt to use the international decision by placing an order for

antiretroviral drugs for patients in MSF's field projects. However, after

two years, not a single pill has been exported from Canada.

In this document, MSF provides an overview of the hurdles that block access

to key therapeutic products under the WTO Decision and the complications

added to the WTO mechanism by the Canadian government in its domestic

legislation. With international patent protection enforced on a

country-by-country basis worldwide, the doors to generic production and

export are closing fast. As a result, millions will have no option but to

wait out the 20 year patent terms before they can have access to essential

medicines. It is therefore vital to address the failings of the WTO

Decision so that affordable essential medicines are available in developing

countries with limited local production capacity.

Link to full document:

http://www.msf.ca/aids2006/files/MSF_JCPA_Document.pdf

For questions or comments, please contact:

Kiddell-Monroe

Programme Officer

Access to Essential Medicines Campaign

Médecins Sans Frontières

1470 Peel, Montreal, QC H3A 1T1

Office: 1 (514) 845 5621 ext. 23

Cell: 1 (514) 895 1186

rachel.kiddell-monroe@...

Sincerely,

Kate

Kate

U.S. Coordinator, Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

333 Seventh Avenue, 2nd Floor * New York, NY * 10001-5004 * USA

Tel: +1-212-655-3762

Cell: +917-331-9077

Fax: +1-212-679-7016

E-mail: kate.evans@...