111. The entry into force of the Protocol Amending TRIPS was an important signal for the multilateral trading system that the protection of IP can go hand in hand with measures to ensure access to medicines. The Protocol provides a legally secure and predictable option for those countries wishing to use the TRIPS flexibilities to get affordable medicines. We would like to highlight the importance of this periodic review of the implementation of the System, which became even more necessary after the Protocol entered into force.
112. While we reiterate our concern that the Special Compulsory Licensing System was used only once so far, it would be important to reflect on ways to improve it. According to reports provided by participants in the single case of use of the System, it is considered too complex and administratively unwieldy. In 2017, Brazil, India and South Africa organized a side event to the TRIPS Council in order to receive the assessment of the System from representatives of industry, Government, non-governmental organizations and academia. Future discussions in the Council could benefit from additional information that can be provided by stakeholders other than Members.
113. We believe it is important that this Organization continues to provide technical support to Members, including through the provision of legal assistance, awareness-raising activities and capacity building. This will ensure that the System becomes a practical option for the procurement of medicines in countries without industrial capacity, allowing that the fruits of the IP system are enjoyed in an inclusive way. The regional event held last year in Brasília for Latin American countries was considered a great success by participants and we will continue to support those actions by the Organization, including through the provision of experts from Brazil. We also support that the Secretariat continues its efforts to reach out to those Members not yet parties to the Protocol. Members could also act through the periodic Trade Policy Review mechanism.
114. We have always been of the view that the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health constitutes a major landmark in the history of the WTO, because it recognized the primacy of public health needs and the preparedness of the Organization to take up the problems faced by the poor and developing countries. The recent agreement on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals clearly reinforces that agenda, as its Goal number 3 mandates the global community to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. To attain the goals of reducing child mortality and end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, access to medicines is a fundamental part of that. The global community needs to act together through a multitude of ways, including through the Special Compulsory Licensing System before us.