PHM-Exch> [PM News] Civil society calls on WHO to foil conspiracy by big pharma to undermine S. African reforms

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: David Legge <D.Legge at latrobe.edu.au>

During the debate on Access to Essential Medicines at the WHO Executive
Board (Thursday 23 Jan) South African delegate, Ms Precious Matsoso, the
Director General of Health in South Africa made an emotional intervention
regarding the campaign plans of global pharmaceutical companies to
undermine the proposed revision of South African patent laws, to provide,
among other initiative for formal patent examination.

Other delegates also deplored what has been describe by the South African
Health Minister as a plot to commit ‘genocide’. The Director General of WHO
spoke of her determination not to allow pharmaceutical profits to take
priority over access to health care.

Following debate a group of civil society organisations (including the
People’s Health Movement) issued a formal call for delegates to adopt a
resolution expressing solidarity with South Africa. The civil society Call,
which includes important background and the proposed draft resolution, can
be found here:
http://www.ghwatch.org/sites/www.ghwatch.org/files/SA_patent1a.pdf
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