Health Related -Intellectual Property Rights in Africa in Light of the Covid- 19 Pandemic

Abstract

This article argues that suspending IP rights considering the current COVID19 pandemic would not necessarily lead to a win-win situation for African countries and Western Pharmaceuticals. The first part introduces Intellectual property rights as a legal concept and provides its context considering the current COVID-19 pandemic. The second part delves into the Regional Framework for intellectual property in Africa. The third part analyses the current status of medical related intellectual property in Africa. The fourth part provides the recommendations to enhancing intellectual property rights in Africa despite the current COVID-19 pandemic. The last part provides the conclusion to the paper. It suggests that ultimately, Africa needs more sustainable solutions to meet emerging health emergencies as has been witnessed in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic