Monopolies are often an obstacle between people and the lifesaving health tools they need. Patents and other exclusivities limit supply and keep prices high. The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global emergency. Over 100 countries have taken an incredibly strong stance at the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing to temporarily waive patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property (IP) on all COVID-19 medical tools. This action could dramatically boost global production and supply of lifesaving vaccines, treatments, tests and other health tools – for everyone, everywhere.
— source msfaccess.org