Doctors Without Borders (MSF), an international medical humanitarian organization now wants medical oxygen supply added to COVID-19 vaccines and PPEs, at the heart of the global COVID-19 response.
This comes oncomes on the eve of the European Union parliament vote on the World Trade Organization Intellectual Property Right (IPR) waiver for COVID-19 vaccines during the June 7-10 sessions.
"Before the pandemic we saw patients suffering from pneumonia, malaria, sepsis, and a variety of other conditions, as well as far too many premature babies, die due to a lack of medical oxygen," said Dr Marc Biot, MSF director of operations.
"COVID-19 has brought this issue into sharp focus. Unstable oxygen supplies kill."
"Countries for the waiver are not asking for charity, but for the right to develop and make their own vaccines, more affordable medicines, reagents and other health technologies free from worry that they will be blocked or sued by IP holders," said Leena Menghaney, Global IP Advisor, MSF Access Campaign.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen expressed willingness to explore a waiver after President Joe Biden last week promoted the plan, reversing the US position.