Patenting of pharmaceuticals and development in Sub-Saharan Africa

More about the book

This book critically examines the patent protection of medication amid the HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis epidemics threatening Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It highlights systemic issues within the global patent regime, which fails to ensure affordable access to life-saving medications in the region. The author argues for the integration of human development concepts into global patent law and policy to enhance the relevance of pharmaceutical patents in SSA. An integrative approach is proposed, advocating for public health and human development exceptions to patent rights, aimed at increasing access to essential medications for epidemic treatment. By exploring various perspectives on laws, institutions, practices, and politics, the book encourages SSA countries to adopt an evidence-based strategy for implementing global patent standards domestically. This includes local need assessments and empirical data to inform patent law-making, alongside revising patent rules with a focus on pro-poor and pro-health outcomes. Such revisions would make medications more affordable and accessible to SSA citizens. The book also emphasizes the importance of incorporating feedback from individuals and pro-access organizations when enacting health-related legislation, while being sensitive to the public health needs of those affected by epidemics and advocating for local pharmaceutical research and development facilities in SSA.