Norway criticised for siding with drug companies in conflict over COVID19 patents

Norway, a vocal proponent of global solidarity in the pandemic response, is accused of turning its back on developing countries following its rejection of a UN-backed proposal by South Africa and India for a temporary waiver on COVID19-related patents. The ban aims to break companies’ monopoly on new technologies so that other actors can produce cheaper life-saving products as fast as possible. Global health advocates are disappointed. A South African official says to Development Today that Norway’s stance “was a bit of a surprise to us.”