79th WHA Individual Statements
PSI expresses grave concern at the inability of the IGWG to arrive at a PABS annexe to the PA for consideration at WHA79. More worrisome is the fact that this reflects fissures between wealthier countries and the majority of Member States constituting the Equity Group.
This situation is, however, better than to have a PABS annexe that does not adequately reflect lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to put people's interests and the commons unambiguously first before those of corporations.
We urge Member States, particularly those with big pharma, to support a multilateral PABS system that unambiguously underscores legal certainty, public control, accountability, transparency and equity.