Al Jazeera English published this video item, entitled “Will rich countries lift their waivers on patents for Covid-19 vaccines? | Inside Story” – below is their description.
Poor nations are stepping up their fight for equal access to covid-19 vaccines.
They’re trying to convince rich nations to support their request for a waiver on patent rights.
They say acquiring vaccine knowledge could help them boost production of jabs.
President Joe Biden must now decide whether to change course and support the move.
The U.S. is one of several nations resisting the request at the world trade body, arguing it would discourage innovation.
Separately, the country’s about to get control of a patent – basically making it the owner of the technology at the heart of several vaccines.
Those drugs are built on this technology… so other producers will have to get licences from the U.S. to use it, once the patent is issued.
But will the U.S. use the opporunity to pressure drugmakers for more equal access?
Presenter: Kim Vinell
Guests
Thomas Pogge, Professor of Philosophy and Political Science at Yale University and Co-founder of Incentives for Global Health.
Samantha Vanderslott, Researcher at the Oxford Vaccine Group.
Max Lawson, Head of Inequality Policy at Oxfam International.
–
Al Jazeera English YouTube Channel
Got a comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, below. Please note comments are moderated before publication.