WASHINGTON: The US has thrown its support behind an initiative taken by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to waive intellectual property protections for coronavirus vaccines.
India and South Africa proposed the move saying that they would increase vaccine production around the globe.
But drugs manufacturers argue it may not have the desired effect.
US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said that “extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures”.
And she warned that it would take time for WTO members to reach a consensus decision on the matter.
India and South Africa were the leading voices in a group of about 60 countries which for the last six months has been trying to get the patents on vaccines set aside.
(With inputs from BBC)
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