The issue of compulsory licensing is too important to leave to patent officers and trade officials. The public health community has to get involved', explains Bas van der Heide of Health Action International. There is a vast disparity in world income and access to essential medicines. In May of this year the World Health Assembly will meet in Geneva and discuss a resolution which addresses WHO's role in monitoring health implications of trade agreements and cooperation with the World Trade Organization on matters concerning trade and public health. Members of the press are invited to attend the meeting.
Registration is obligatory for security reasons.
Sans Fronti res is the world's largest independent medical relief organization, providing care to victims of war, disasters and epidemics in 80 countries world-wide. Health Action International is an informal network of more than 200 consumer, health, development action and other public interest groups involved in health and pharmaceutical issues world-wide. Consumer Project on Technology is a US based non-profit research and advocacy organisation created by consumer advocate Ralph Nader. Its activities focus on information technologies, intellectual property and research and development.