Joint statement on WTO amendment to support access to affordable medicines for developing countries

January 24, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, issued the following statement on the entry into force of the World Trade Organization’s amendment to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS). The agreement will provide a framework for access to affordable medicines for developing countries.

“Canada continues to promote a world where people care for one another and to prioritize the health and wellness of the global community. Canada is pleased that this WTO amendment is now in force. It supports the export of generic versions of patented drugs to developing countries that lack the capacity to manufacture needed medicines themselves. Millions of people continue to suffer from treatable conditions such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS, as well as other epidemics, because they cannot access life-saving drugs. This WTO amendment provides countries with another tool to improve access to affordable medicines for those who need it most. Canada welcomes this decision and hopes for a swift implementation.

“This is also significant as it is the first time that a WTO agreement has been amended.”

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