Funds are also needed to ensure that companies have a credible market for new drugs and vaccines that they develop for such diseases, as well as to help pay for existing essential drugs, insecticides and anti-malaria bed nets. Nor should providing the basics, such as clean water, good sanitation, better nutrition and more condom use, be neglected. Lower tariffs and taxes and more efficient distribution channels are also important. Most of this is outside the WTO's remit. But by promoting free trade we can make a difference.
Openness is essential for economic growth, which can help pay for health care and sanitation.
The writer is director-general of the World Trade Organization. He contributed this comment to the International Herald Tribune.