HAI Africa issues briefing paper on the utilization of TRIPS flexibilities in the EAC Region

A policy briefing paper produced by Health Action International (HAI) Africa analyzing the use of flexibilities under the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) has made pertinent observations on the different approaches adopted by countries in the East African region.

While all countries are geared towards maximizing use of these flexibilities within their respective national laws, there are areas where limited use of these flexibilities is undermining access to essential medicines. The paper makes a number of pertinent observations and recommendations on how countries can maximize the use of these flexibilities to promote access to essential medicines.

The five member countries of the East African Community (EAC) have incorporated a number of the TRIPS flexibilities in their domestic laws. In addition, the EAC Intellectual Property (IP) and Health Policy and the EAC IP and Health Protocol make key recommendations which if adopted, would promote public health and enhance access to essential medicines within the EAC.