Devex: U.S. pressure could make U.N. TB declaration less forceful, MSF says
“The United States’ amendments to a forthcoming ministerial document on preventing and treating tuberculosis will likely result in a text that is not ‘actionable,’ Médecins Sans Frontières is warning. Pressure from the United States on BRIC nations and other governments could make it harder for developing countries to develop lower-cost, generic versions of necessary treatment medication for TB. Governments were set to finalize the political declaration early last week, two months in advance of the first high-level TB meeting in New York on Sept. 26 — but following South Africa speaking out against some of the proposed U.S. government changes, negotiations were again re-opened on Wednesday…” (Lieberman, 7/27).

Intellectual Property Watch: Negotiations On U.N. Tuberculosis Declaration Still Open, Reports Say
“Negotiations for a United Nations declaration on ending tuberculosis had drawn to a close earlier this week, with the United States seeming to succeed on a hardline position to keep mention of intellectual property rights and affordability of medicines out of the text. But nongovernmental reports say the draft has not been accepted by all members and that negotiations will have to be reopened. According to the health advocacy group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, Doctors Without Borders) and other sources, South Africa, possibly supported by other developing countries, has held out on the draft…” (New, 7/27).

STAT: U.N. global declaration on TB faces last-minute objections over access to medicines
“…South Africa has raised objections about access to medicines, an unexpected move that has re-opened talks in hopes of refashioning a final document over the next few days. However, the odds of reaching an agreement appear unlikely, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. In a letter to U.N. officials, the South African government objected to language that was removed from earlier drafts of the declaration, which was finalized on July 20. The language referred to a World Trade Organization agreement that allows countries to issue compulsory licenses as a way to create lower-cost alternatives to medicines…” (Silverman, 7/27).