Scientists call on G7 to improve preparedness for next pandemic
Al JazeeraHiroshima, Japan – Scientists have called on the Group of Seven to take urgent action to tackle the world’s lack of preparedness for the next pandemic, warning that developing countries continue to lack access to life-saving treatments and vaccines. In an open letter published to coincide with the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, the People’s Vaccine Alliance said scientific advances made during the COVID-19 pandemic still primarily benefit the wealthiest countries and the bottom lines of pharmaceutical companies. “Upholding strict intellectual property rules secured monopolies for pharmaceutical companies and prevented the widespread production of affordable generic vaccines and medicines in developing countries.” The alliance, which is made up of more than 100 former world leaders, Nobel laureates, scientists and economists, said it was concerned that pharmaceutical companies have lobbied world leaders to adopt a “maximalist approach” to intellectual property rules for vaccines and treatments. “We hope that you will stand with scientists and physicians in support of equity and the right to life over the right to reap windfall profits from a health emergency.” The leaders of the G7 – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – are meeting in Hiroshima from Friday for a three-day summit expected to be dominated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and concerns about China’s growing power and influence.