Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – The World Trade Organization appears to be close to settling a dispute about how COVID-19 vaccines should be spread more broadly and more fairly. However, it is facing an “orchestrated attempt” to block a deal.

Ngozi Okonjo Iweala (WTO Director-General) said to Reuters that talks had been held this month between trade ministers representing South Africa, India and the European Union on ways to get out of an impasse regarding intellectual property rights.

She stated that agreement is necessary to permit some technology transfer in developing countries, without the need for manufacturers who are at risk of being sued.

It could be used to close the gap in vaccination rates in Africa, which is only 8%. This vaccine can also help to provide affordable and easily accessible vaccines.

“Ease-of-use, distribution ease and affordability.” “These are all things that we can unleash much more if these types of agreements are reached,” she stated.

She said, “We’re getting closer to an answer and a solution.” “It seems to me, on the other hand that an orchestrated effort is being made to prevent success in this matter.”

South Africa and India proposed to waive intellectual property rights in COVID-19 vaccines, treatments. But developed member countries like the European Union, Britain, and Switzerland say it’s better to stick to existing WTO rules which permit countries to issue licences to local producers.

The WTO has been unable to reach an agreement on this issue for over a year. It takes all decisions through consensus. Okonjo Iweala claimed she had brought all the key players together and that technical experts were now trying to sort out details.

But, WTO’s head stated that sensitive information had been leaked to media and put an “end” to negotiations.

“It is not accidental. It’s an intentional way to stop negotiations or an answer. Millions of lives depend upon this. She said that continents such as Africa await this.

While she did not say who the culprit was, and that they could not be pinpointed in any one report, she stated that they had caused mistrust.

Sources in Washington Trade Daily reported Wednesday that a waiver of IP rights was needed to be beyond vaccines.

Okonjo Iweala indicated that the four sides had discussed their desire for a fast solution. She said that she would keep working towards this goal. Both sides had agreed to create a framework to help them reach a satisfactory solution.

Although no one side is guaranteed 100%, I feel it’s an acceptable solution and something that both parties could agree on. She said that we are moving in this direction.