THE COVID19 Task Force of the University of the Philippines backed calls to suspend intellectual-property rules on Covid19 vaccines and treatments.

UP said that patent rights and intellectual-property rules hinder the Philippines and other developing countries from mass-producing Covid19 vaccines.

“We, members of the University of the Philippines Diliman Covid19 Task Force and other members of the UPD community, join the growing number of people worldwide who call for the temporary suspension of patent rights and intellectual-property rules,” it said.

“In particular, we support the proposals of India, South Africa and other developing-country governments to temporarily waive the relevant provisions under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement under the World Trade Organization,” it added.

The university stressed the country urgently need rapid nationwide immunization and immediate provision of life-saving treatment to as many people as possible.

“Key to making this happen are an adequate and affordable supply of vaccines, drugs, test kits, ventilators, masks, and other products needed for the prevention and treatment of Covid19; and, no less important, the strong political will needed for government to push for vaccine sufficiency and equity, and a speedy and efficient vaccine rollout,” UP said.

It also claimed that there is a rampant “vaccine inequality globally and inefficiencies” in the national vaccine rollouts.

“Rich and powerful countries are hoarding much of the available vaccines and big pharmaceuticals are monopolizing the technology needed for developing countries to produce the vaccines for their own people,” the university said.

With technology transfer and their existing resources and expertise, UP argued that many drug companies in the Philippines and other developing countries can potentially cover the shortfall that giant drug companies are unable to provide.

“They can produce millions of doses of additional vaccines and help make it possible to inoculate 60 percent of the world this year and all those who want a vaccine by the end of 2022.

“But they are being prevented or hampered from doing so by the intellectual property provisions in the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on TRIPS,” it said.

“By refusing to sign a waiver of patent monopolies for the vaccines, big pharmaceuticals stand to profit the most from exclusive production and distribution rights to Covid19 vaccines, even as they struggle to keep up with the global demand,” it added.

The university pointed out that waiving intellectual-property rules can increase the supply of Covid19 vaccines and other drugs worldwide to “save more lives, ease suffering and end the pandemic once and for all.”

“Today, confronted with an unprecedented global health and economic emergency, we encourage our fellow academics — including those in other universities — to join us in urging the Philippine government to adopt this clarion call to the international community. The mantra ‘no one is safe until everyone is safe’ resonates now more than ever, underscoring the urgent need for global solidarity and cooperation,” it said.