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(September 1, 2003) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraged
by the consensus reached by Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
on the issue of access to medicines by countries with little or insufficient
capacity for pharmaceutical production.
The agreement covers all medicines. Among the diseases that could be more
effectively tackled as a result of this decision are AIDS, tuberculosis
and malaria.
WHO will work with the countries which could make use of the new arrangements
to assist them to achieve the full public health benefit from the lower
prices. Given the urgency of the health needs in the poorest countries,
the work to implement this agreement must proceed as quickly as possible.
The full impact of the agreement will depend on how effectively it can
be implemented in countries.
For the agreement to have the intended impact on public health, countries
will need to review the full range of medicines required from multiple
suppliers, including generic producers, when making purchasing decisions.
WHO continues to urge Member States to consider using to the full the
TRI
PS flexibilities with regard to the protection of public health.
For more information contact:
Ms Daniela Bagozzi
Telephone: +41 22 791 4544
Mobile phone: +41 79 4755490
Email: bagozzid@who.int
Mr Iain Simpson
Telephone: +41 22 791 3215
Mobile phone: +41 79 475 5534
Email: simpsoni@who.int
Ms Melinda Henry
Telephone: +41 (22) 791 2535
Mobile phone: +41 (79) 477 1738
Fax: +41 (22) 791 4858
Email: henrym@who.int --030--
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