G7 Urged to Improve Pandemic Preparedness by Scientists

Scientists are urging the Group of Seven to take immediate action to address the world’s lack of preparedness for the next pandemic. The People’s Vaccine Alliance has published an open letter calling for the removal of barriers to the development and production of medicines and vaccines, warning that developing countries continue to lack access to life-saving treatments. The group is concerned that strict intellectual property rules have prevented the widespread production of affordable generic vaccines and medicines in developing countries. Pharmaceutical companies have lobbied world leaders to adopt a “maximalist approach” to intellectual property rules for vaccines and treatments, despite calls by public health experts for their suspension.