- Britain would have to give up 20 percent of “pandemic-related health products”
Britain could be forced to hand over a fifth of its vaccines and medicines in a future pandemic under a World Health Organization treaty that will be ratified next month.
The United Kingdom was one of the countries that announced plans in March 2021 for an agreement that would force states to address global health emergencies.
The plan was criticized for removing sovereign powers, raising fears that Britain would hand over its control over pandemic policy to unelected health officials in Geneva.
The final draft of the treaty, published earlier this month, has been substantially simplified.
But the remaining terms mean Britain would have to give up 20 percent of “pandemic-related health products” and would be banned from stockpiling supplies.
Britain could be forced to hand over a fifth of its vaccines and medicines in a future pandemic under a World Health Organization treaty due to be ratified next month (Stock Photo)
But the remaining terms mean Britain would have to give up 20 percent of “pandemic-related health products” and would be banned from stockpiling supplies (Stock Photo)
The updated document says countries should provide “at a minimum… in the event of a pandemic, real-time access by the WHO at 20 percent (10 percent as a donation and 10 percent at prices affordable to the WHO). ) of the production of safe, efficient and effective health products related to the pandemic.” It adds that members should “reserve a portion of…therapies or vaccines in a timely manner for use in countries facing challenges.”
The wording has raised concerns that vaccines could be taken from where they are most needed and sent to areas not at risk, and that other countries could receive UK-made jabs before the British public.
Dr David Bell, a former WHO medical officer, told the Daily Telegraph: ‘The problem is that it is unrelated to need. It seems symbolic.
‘As an example, Covid-19 was hardly a problem in sub-Saharan Africa, except in South Africa, as there is less than 1 per cent of the population over 75 years old, half are under 20 years old and rates of metabolic diseases are low.
“It is not clear to me why this is in a treaty, as it is a general principle that is already followed and is best addressed on a case-by-case basis.” Britain was among the first countries to develop and distribute a Covid vaccine, but was criticized for conserving its supplies until it had a large surplus.
It also offered Britons a second dose before some poorer countries received their first.
The UK ultimately gave away 100 million doses, including the Oxford-developed AstraZeneca vaccine, but may be forced to give away even more and at an earlier stage in the future.
The UK ultimately gave away 100 million doses of the Covid vaccine, including the Oxford-developed AstraZeneca vaccine (pictured), but may be forced to give out even more and at an earlier stage in the future.
The WHO’s 194 member states will vote on the treaty next month. But sticking points between countries over vaccines could mean parts of the deal are delayed until 2026.
Dr Clare Wenham, associate professor of global health policy at the London School of Economics, said: “The current state of negotiations is an unknown.”
