Geneva – The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) welcomes the adoption of resolution at the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) that calls for intensification of efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic, and for equitable access to and fair distribution of all essential health technologies and products to combat the novel coronavirus.

The resolution, proposed in the first-ever virtual WHA, was co-sponsored by more than 130 countries, and adopted by consensus. The assembly (18-19 May) witnessed interventions from ministers of health from almost every country in the world. All voices echoed the importance of solidarity and the mission of leaving no one behind, as we move forward in controlling this outbreak.

One of the key aspects of the resolution is to work collaboratively through “existing mechanisms for voluntary pooling and licensing of patents”. As the only existing patent pooling mechanism in the public health field, MPP looks forward to playing that role.

“It is critical to lay the groundwork for access while these treatments and vaccines are still being developed, so that as soon as these become available, we can rapidly ensure access for everyone, everywhere,” said MPP’s Executive Director Charles Gore.

Licensing under public health-oriented terms and patent pooling, which are at the heart of MPP’s work, are proven mechanisms for making patented health technologies rapidly available at affordable prices for all those in need.