The members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued an historic Ministerial Declaration yesterday stating that the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) should be interpreted and implemented so as to protect public health and promote access to medicines for all.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland said: "Ministers of trade, economy, industry and foreign affairs gave a great deal of attention to the issue of access to essential medicines in Doha. This demonstrates the growing appreciation of importance of international trade agreements for people's lives and well-being.

I am pleased to hear of the Ministers' conclusion that the TRIPS agreement ‘can and should be interpreted and implemented in a manner supportive of WTO members' right to protect public health and, in particular, promote access to medicines for all’.

WHO will continue to work with its Member States, with the WTO, and with other relevant organizations to help with implementation."