PHM-Exch> [PHM NEWS] Call for action: 7 April 2021

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Ana Vračar <ana at phmovement.org>



PHM Europe and European Network Against Commercialisation of Health and
Social Protection <http://europe-health-network.net/> are preparing actions
for 7 April, when we mark the international day of action against the
privatisation of health and People's Health Day. Just like for the past 5
years, the two networks are coordinating actions in Europe, but we would
like to learn more about plans in other regions and map your actions here
<https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1v0YfB-5_XK9w6U4enPtBu2CPzS1TtkYr&usp=sharing>,
in order to show how widespread the struggle for fairer health systems is.

Both PHM Europe and European Network have already expressed their support
for many of the campaigns being run for equitable and fair access to
Covid19 related technologies and medical products, including vaccines,
around the world. For the past few months we have been working closely with
the organisation committee of the European Citizens’ Initiative Right to
Cure <https://noprofitonpandemic.eu/>. The aim of the initiative is forcing
the European Commission to treat Covid19 vaccines as a public good,
therefore taking a different approach to their negotiations with Big
Pharma, and supporting mechanisms that can lead to vaccines being available
all over the world, and not only in rich countries.

As the collection of signatures for this initiatives will be ongoing on 7
April, in Europe we will organise actions related to the 4 demands of the
initiative:


   1.

   Health for All - We all have a right to health. In a pandemic, research
   and technologies should be shared broadly, fast, across the globe. A
   private company shouldn’t have the power to decide who has access to
   treatments or vaccines and at what price. Patents provide one single
   company with the monopoly control over essential pharmaceutical products.
   This limits their availability and increases their cost to those who need
   them.
   2.

   Transparency Now! - Data on production costs, public contributions and
   the effectiveness and safety of vaccines and medicines should be public.
   Contracts between public authorities and pharmaceutical companies must be
   made public.
   3.

   Public Money, Public Control - Taxpayers paid for the research and
   development of vaccines and treatments. What has been paid for by the
   people should remain in people’s hands. We cannot allow big pharmaceutical
   companies to privatize crucial health technologies that have been developed
   with public resources.
   4.

   No Profit on Pandemic - Big pharmaceutical companies should not profit
   from this pandemic at the expense of people’s health. A collective threat
   requires solidarity, not private profiteering. Public funds should always
   come with guarantees on availability and affordability. Big Pharma
   shouldn’t be allowed to plunder social security systems.


Naturally, we are aware that the pandemic has affected different regions of
the world in different ways, and we don’t expect all actions to be related
to these four topics only. Organizing to show the importance of social
determinants of health, health workers’ working conditions, and people’s
participation in health systems remains as important as ever - and we would
like to map all such actions to show that people all over the world are
ready to mobilize to achieve a fairer world in the aftermath of Covid19.

So, if you are planning to do something on or around 7 April, we would love
to hear about it - please follow the details below to share your plans, and
don’t hesitate to be in touch in case of any questions. *We'd really
appreciate it if you could share this call in your networks.*

HOW TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN

Join us by adding the details of your action or event on the interactive
map available here: #Health4All: 7 April 2021 actions
<https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1v0YfB-5_XK9w6U4enPtBu2CPzS1TtkYr&usp=sharing>,
or by e-mailing the information to ana at phmovement.org. Don’t forget to
share your photos and videos with us through social media by using #health4all,
#noprofitonpandemic and #action4health!

You can also show your support by joining a white sheet action in the days
around April 7th by hanging a white sheet on your window, taking a picture
and sharing it with the same hashtag on social media. More information on
this action can be found on the European Network’s website:
http://europe-health-network.net/.

Unfortunately, we again have to apologise for not being able to an
interactive map which recognizes Palestine. In case anyone has such a link
ready, please send it along.


Warm regards,

Ana

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