Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - December 7, 2005
Its general council has agreed to make permanent a 2003 waiver that allows poorer nations to import generic drugs to treat serious diseases such as Aids.
The measure would become permanent by 1 December 2007, the WTO said. The current waiver remains until then.
WTO boss Pascal Lamy said the agreement showed the body's humanitarian concern.
'Landmark'
US Trade Representative Rob Portman added that America was fully behind the move.
"This is a landmark achievement that we hope will help developing countries devastated by HIV/Aids and other public health crises," he said.
The European Union (EU) has also backed the change.
"The EU has worked hard for this outcome and welcomes that others have moved to make this possible," said EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.
And for the UK, Trade Secretary Alan Johnson said "this announcement should be an important step in making drugs available in poor countries.
"The lack of access to essential medicines in developing countries is one of the biggest health issues - and one of the gravest injustices - in the world."
Under the rule, poorer nations will be allowed to import the generic drugs for humanitarian reasons and not for commercial purposes.
Some of the larger developing countries, like India, hope that they will be able to sell antiretroviral Aids drugs to Africa under the deal.
051207
BB051223
Copyright © 2005 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, theElton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.