Resolution on access to drugs for HIV/AIDS victims in the Third World

The European Parliament adopted the resolution on access to drugs for HIV/AIDS victims in the Third World. It calls for the development of a system allowing developing countries equitable access to medecines and vaccines at affordable prices, while expressing its solidarity and support for the Governments of South Africa and Kenya in their struggle to use WTO-compliant legislation to gain access to the cheapest possible life-saving medecines. Although Article 31 of the WTO/TRIPS Agremeent permits a country to enact national laws permitting the use of a patented product without the authorisation of the patent-holder (compulsory licensing) under certain specified circumstances, the Commission is nevertheless called upon to work with the Member States to show international leadership in the struggle for life-saving medecines by encouraging technological transfer and support for the strengthening and/or development of local production capacity.�