Malaria and Patents

IPN Opinion article

The overwhelming evidence from around the globe supports the thesis that the protection of private property is central to improving economic performance. This protection must extend to intellectual property and patents on drugs. Attenuation of patents therefore goes further than simply making developing country disease an unattractive avenue for pharmaceutical research and development; it undermines economic growth and human health.

TRIPs and Healthcare: Rethinking the debate

IPN Opinion article

"Poor countries will not eradicate diseases by compulsory licensing certain pharmaceuticals. In fact the opposite is more likely because of the negative signal that such a decision would send to companies contemplating investment in knowledge-based industries. It would be a tragedy if long-term economic development and consequent improvements in the health of the poor were to be undermined by short-sighted policies aimed at placating narrow vested interests."

TRIPS and Healthcare: Rethinking the Debate

IPN Opinion article

In this paper, a group of experts from around the world contradict the claim that compulsory licensing of 'essential' medicines will benefit the world's poor. They point out that patents and other forms of intellectual property are an essential component in economic development. Interfering with intellectual property by compulsory licensing or price controls will undermine investments and cause more harm than good. They call instead for stronger protection of intellectual property globally.

The Right to Good Ideas

IPN Opinion article

" Intellectual-property rights are not just for the rich world. Carefully constructed, they can help the poorest too."

Aids has no cure - remember?

IPN Opinion article

"It does seem paradoxical -- nay, tragic -- that the world may end up spending tens of billions of dollars annually to provide painful, only moderately successful treatment to prolong life, while not making millions of people healthy from curable diseases like malaria for only a few billion. In these days of emotional politics, perhaps the rich world will only spend money on diseases with which it has some familiarity..."

Global Warming - A European Myth

IPN Opinion article

On Monday 18th June, Professor Philip Stott of London University, SOAS, will speak at the IEA about 'The European Myth of Global Warming'.

Europe's Cold Shoulder

IPN Opinion article

"If we were to listen to Europe's energy Cassandras and implement the Kyoto protocol, any reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions would simply be offset by an increase in poor countries' emissions. The cost in terms of reduced economic output will mean reduced consumption everywhere ó leading to global impoverishment, unemployment, and misery. However, European governments have already committed themselves to the foregone conclusion of perilous climate change and, consequently, the need for international action, i.e., the Kyoto Protocol. Backing down now would open these statesmen up to ridicule..."

Aids has no cure - remember?

IPN Opinion article

It does seem paradoxical -- nay, tragic -- that the world may end up spending tens of billions of dollars annually to provide painful, only moderately successful treatment to prolong life, while not making millions of people healthy from curable diseases like malaria for only a few billion. In these days of emotional politics, perhaps the rich world will only spend money on diseases with which it has some familiarity.

Malaria and the DDT Story

IPN Opinion article

Malaria and the DDT Story provides an insight into the history of DDT's use to control malaria and the politics surrounding its use. Key points are:

Malaria has long plagued mankind, and was only brought under control with the development of medical and chemical technologies in the 20th century.
A worldwide campaign to eradicate malaria with DDT spraying programmes after World War II nearly eliminated the disease in many poor countries.
Environmental fears lead to the banning of DDT in wealthy countries.
Donor agencies and environmental groups from wealthy countries then pressured poor country governments to stop using DDT for malaria control.
When used to control malarial mosquitoes, DDT has no observable effects on human health and its effects on the environment are negligible.
Partly because of restrictions on the use of DDT, malaria rates are now increasing in poor countries.
DDT spraying remains the most cost-effective solution for poor countries to prevent malaria.

New Study Shows Tragic Consequences of Environmentalists' Campaign to Ban DDT

IPN Opinion article

Press release announcing publication of "Malaria and the DDT Story"