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Susan Dentzer, Eliminating Neglected Diseases In Poor Countries: A Conversation With Andrew Witty, Health Affairs Web Exclusive, March 19, 2009 [Abstract] [PDF] [Reprints & Permissions]
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[Read Comment] Patent Pool: A Laudable But Lengthy Process
Olusesan Ayodeji Makinde, Iko J. Ibanga, Edith Okoi and Chioma F. Okafor   ( 1 April 2009 )

Patent Pool: A Laudable But Lengthy Process 1 April 2009
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Olusesan Ayodeji Makinde,
Monitoring and Evaluations Manager
Pro-Health International,
Iko J. Ibanga, Edith Okoi and Chioma F. Okafor

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Re: Patent Pool: A Laudable But Lengthy Process

sesmak{at}gmail.com Olusesan Ayodeji Makinde, et al.

We applaud the bold step taken by Andrew Witty to consider leading the creation of a patent pool of knowledge that could help scientists easily identify ways in which not to go in their research. Despite this being a firsthand idea at improving research focus towards the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the world's low-income countries that are most affected by the diseases, we feel that it might not help in meeting the acute needs of reducing the burden caused by this group of diseases (1). Alhough the NTDs are not a major consideration in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), they significantly reduce the quality of life and promote poverty in areas affected, thereby indirectly deterring the efforts towards meeting the goals by 2015.

This group of diseases are estimated to affect over a billion people, yielding more than 20 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in the world's low-resource countries and worse still for the less privileged in those societies (1,2).

Despite the patent pool suggestion being a first of its kind, we acknowledge the creativity but will be delighted to see other short-term approaches. We also hope that local drug manufacturing industries will also seize the opportunity to invest in research toward making the drugs much cheaper and easily available.

Notes

1. WHO, A human rights-based approach to neglected tropical diseases: NTD Information sheet (Geneva: WHO, 2009).

2. Boutayeb A: Developing countries and neglected diseases: Challenges and perspectives: International Journal of Equity in Health 2007, 6:20.