WTO struggling to waive off Covid vaccine IP rights

More than a year after the formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine and the emergence of more variants of the virus, demonstrations at the WTO in Geneva continue as the organization fails to address the deadlock on waiving off the IP rights on the vaccines. John Mark, the Chairman of Urban Transport for ITF, and a co-signer of a letter to governments urging them to step aside and allow passage of COVID vaccine IP waivers, spoke to CNBC Africa about the impact of this delay on frontline workers in developing nations in Africa. The letter, spearheaded by global workers representing close to 200 million workers and supported by key global federations, aims to highlight the injustice of the current situation where the COVID-19 vaccine distribution is not yet global due to patent protections. Mark emphasized that the pandemic does not respect borders or colors, and the idea of vaccine protection by patents should not be upheld during such abnormal times. The deadlock on waiving off IP rights lies with both pharmaceutical companies and specific governments, as these governments are supporting the selfish interests of the companies, allowing them to prioritize profits over global health. The impact of COVID-19 on transport workers has been devastating, with many frontline workers risking their lives to keep economies moving. In Africa, where over 70% of the transport sector consists of informal workers who cannot easily stay at home, there have been significant losses among transport workers. For instance, in Uganda, 63 public transport workers have lost their lives due to the pandemic. The Omicron variant serves as a grim reminder of the importance of equitable vaccine distribution, as continued disparities in access may lead to the emergence of new variants. The reaction of some Western countries to the variant highlights the need for global cooperation and solidarity in tackling the pandemic. Mark emphasized the importance of sharing vaccines, technologies, and protective equipment to ensure the safety of all individuals, especially those in Africa. The call for waiving IP rights on the COVID vaccine remains crucial in the fight against the pandemic.