PSI Interamerica supports initiatives that ensure universal access to coronavirus vaccines

Public Services International supports initiatives that materialize the principle that medications and vaccines are public goods. Parliaments around the world have already approved or are approving laws to facilitate the granting of production licenses of COVID-19 medications and vaccines.

PSI stands with all front-line workers from every sector who don’t have the choice to participate in physical distancing. Workers that have continuously risked infection to care for others and all of them deserve immediate and unrestricted access to any and all COVID-19 medications and vaccines.

PSI also stands with all of those who’s right to health is frequently violated as they are considered too poor to be treated, cured or immunized or because they do not constitute an attractive market for pharmaceutical companies or are beyond the reach of private health systems.

Brasil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru have made or are currently making changes that will guarantee access to a COVID-19 vaccine and medications. PSI and its affiliates in Brazil are actively supporting the approval of Bill 1462/20 which is passing through the Brazilian Congress. It would ensure universal access to coronavirus drugs and vaccines and automatic granting of production licenses. The bill is widely supported by politicians from diverse parties.

We need your support to make sure that this law passes in Brazil. please Download the following letter, sign it and send it to the addresses indicated at the end of this note.

Download the letter: English | Español

The copying of patented medicine without the consent of the patent holder is allowed for under current World Trade Organization (TRIPS) agreements. Importantly, upon approval of this law, Brazil would have the capacity to produce medications and vaccines for those countries throughout the region that currently couldn´t produce locally.

The inspiring international solidarity and openness that allowed for the rapid sharing of the genome of the virus with scientists around the world must be maintained. This spirit was also exemplified in the resolution passed at the World Health Council of the WHO which called on all governments to, “work collaboratively at all levels to develop, test, and scale-up production of safe, effective, quality, affordable diagnostics, therapeutics, medicines and vaccines for the COVID-19 response, including, existing mechanisms for voluntary pooling and licensing of patents to facilitate timely, equitable and affordable access to them.”

PSI participated in the most recent global assembly of the WHO where our Health & Social Services Officer, Baba Aye made the case that, “all research, data, technology, treatments and vaccines relating to COVID-19 as non-proprietary shared global resources, supported with full compulsory licensing.”

Some governments, including the Trump administration, have already shown their willingness to provoke global shortages and drive up prices by aggressively buying up drugs thought to be useful against the coronavirus. If we do not organize together to change the course of history, these kinds of practices will be repeated, leaving millions behind, without adequate access to treatment, medications or vaccines.

PSI is encouraging all affiliated organizations and allies demonstrate their support effective compulsory licensing legislation / regulations for COVID-19 medications and vaccines in every country. This is an extremely important political and public health priority.

JOCELIO DRUMMOND
Interamericas Regional Secretary
Public Services International

Addresses:

Deputado Rodrigo Maia [email protected]
Davi Alcolumbre [email protected]
Alexandre Padilha [email protected]
Alexandre Serfiotis [email protected]
Carmem Zanotto [email protected]
Dr. Zacharias Calil [email protected]
Dr. Luiz Antonio Junior [email protected]
Dra. Soraya Manato [email protected]
Hiran Gonçalves [email protected]
Jandira Feghali [email protected]
Jorge Solla [email protected]
Mariana Carvalho [email protected]
Pedro Westphalen [email protected]
João Roma [email protected]
Marcelo Ramos [email protected]
Carla Dickson [email protected]
Chico D'Angelo [email protected]
Dr. João [email protected]
Leandre [email protected]
Paula Belmonte [email protected]
Aliel Machado [email protected]
Rodrigo Coelho [email protected]
Delegado Pablo [email protected]

cc: PSI Interamerica [email protected]