Health

Switzerland Says U.S. Announcement on Vaccine Patent Waiver Leaves Questions

The Swiss government said on Thursday a U.S. announcement to support waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines was a significant announcement but left many questions unanswered.

“This is an important announcement by the U.S., but many questions remain unanswered about the specific solutions it is considering in this context,” the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said in an emailed statement.

SECO said Switzerland was still convinced that waiving intellectual property rights in the context of the pandemic could not guarantee fair, affordable and rapid access to vaccines, drugs and diagnostic products against COVID-19.

It said Switzerland would examine this new U.S. request and its consequences on the Swiss position, with the United States itself and within the World Trade Organisation.

Silke Koltrowitz

Silke Koltrowitz is a correspondent at Reuters.

Recent Posts

Top UN Officials Resign Over The Organization’s Incapability To Protect Human Rights In Palestine

The director of the UN office for the high commissioner for human rights in New…

5 months ago

G7 Nations Call For Urgent Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Amidst Escalating Conflict

G7 nations called for urgent actions to help civilians trapped in Gaza, facing bombardments, displacement…

6 months ago

Public Safety & Cost of City Services Top of Mind for Voters 50-plus

As Houstonians head to the polls to elect a new mayor and representatives to city…

6 months ago

US Urges Palestinian Authority To Play Central Role In Gaza Post-Conflict

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has emphasized the need for the Palestinian Authority…

6 months ago

US Joins 27 Countries In AI Safety Summit In UK

Delegates from 28 countries, including the US and China met this Wednesday in the first…

6 months ago

China’s Xi Says Is Willing To Cooperate With The US

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is willing to cooperate with the US and to…

6 months ago