Time.news – The turning point came with an official note from the US representative to Congress: the US government supports the suspension of patents on anti-Covid vaccines and will discuss the details in the WTO. It means free production of vaccines, a move that can give a decisive boost in the fight against the pandemic.
A decision highly appreciated by the WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who on Twitter calls it “a monumental moment in the fight against # COVID19”.
The ambassador Katherine Tai wrote in a statement that Washington “supports the waiver of these protections for Covid-19 vaccines.”
“This is one global health crisis, and the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic call for extraordinary measures, “he added. Tai acknowledges that negotiations at the World Trade Organization” will take time, given the consensual nature of the institution and the complexity of the issues involved. “
“The Administration’s goal is to bring as many safe and effective vaccines as possible to as many people as possible as fast as possible. While our vaccine supply for the American people is secured, the Administration will continue to intensify its efforts – working with the private sector and all possible partners – to expand vaccine production and distribution. It will also work to increase the raw materials needed to produce those vaccines. “
For the WHO chief, “the commitment of Joe Biden and Ambassador Tai to support the waiver of vaccine patent protections is a powerful example of the US to face the challenges of global health “.
“I commend the US for this historic decision for #VaccinEquity, giving priority to the well-being of all people everywhere at a critical time. Now let’s all move together quickly, in solidarity, based on the ingenuity and commitment of the scientists who produced the # COVID19 life-saving vaccines “.
Tedros also points out that “the White House’s support for the temporary waiver of patents on # COVID19 vaccines reflects the wisdom and moral leadership of the US to support #VaccinEquity and work to end this pandemic. #InThisTogether”.
Meanwhile, already in view of the green light for the use of the vaccine from 12 years of age, Pfizer-BioNTech will ask the Food and Drug Administration (Fda) for the use of the serum for children aged between 2 and 11 years.
Canada is the first country to give the green light for vaccinations with a minimum age of 12. It will start on Monday 10 from Alberta, the oil province is the hardest hit. (Time.news)
.