Responding to the news that the World Trade Organisation has reached agreement over a partial patent waiver for Covid-19 vaccines, Dr Kitty Mohan, BMA international committee chair, said:

“The BMA has consistently said that the pandemic will not be over until it the threat of Covid-19 is tackled in all countries, with global vaccination central to this.

“Therefore, this agreement must be recognised as a historic move and a significant building block that lays the foundation for greater collaboration between nations and improving lower-income countries’ ability to protect people against Covid-19.

“Of course, we’d like to see this waiver stretch further – to all Covid health products and technologies – and we hope that this is merely a first step that paves the way for greater improvements in global health security and preparedness in the face of future pandemics.”

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Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.