A storm is brewing in Geneva. In March 2021, several wealthy member states of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rejected a request by more than 80 developing countries to waive patents for Covid-19 vaccines to increase access for some of the world’s poorest.
India and South Africa had first made similar requests back in October 2020. The US, the UK and Switzerland – countries that have significant pharmaceutical industries – argue that waiving patents will discourage companies from investing in the research and development necessary for vaccine development.
The roll-out of vaccines
The WTO works on the basis of consensus. Even if the majority want a