348. I have the honour to raise one issue of extreme importance to the LDC Group under this agenda item. You may recall that our Ministers in Doha recognized the gravity of the public health problems afflicting many developing and LDCs, especially those resulting from HIV AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other epidemics. They also felt and agreed that the TRIPS Agreement did not, and should not prevent Members from undertaking measures to protect public health, while redirecting their commitment to the TRIPS Agreement, they affirmed that the Agreement could and should be interpreted and implemented in a manner supportive of WTO Members right to protect public health and in particular to promote access to medicines for all. Accordingly, WTO Members adopted the decisions IP/C/25 and WT/L/478 to exempt LDCs from TRIPS obligations in respect of pharmaceutical products.
349. These decisions are due to expire on 1 January 2016, and considering the gravity of the situation of lack of access to medicines and proper healthcare, LDCs require adequate time to reasonably overcome their public health problems. Under the circumstances, we had submitted a duly motivated request, in WTO document IP/C/W/605 dated 23 February 2015, for the extension of the transition period for pharmaceutical products and for a waiver from TRIPS Article 70.8 and 70.9.
350. I seek your approval to invite the delegation of Uganda, our focal point for TRIPS, to present a comprehensive picture of the current situation and resulting requirements for the understanding of all Members.
