Why this course?: Access to affordable medicines of high quality is of particular concern to developing countries. After the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement by developing countries in 2005, accessibility is at stake because of the restrictions this entails for generic production in countries like India, China, or Brazil. Local production in least developed countries (LDCs), which are not obliged to comply with certain TRIPS provisions before 2016, is therefore of growing importance. This implies that the legal framework in developing countries and LDCs needs to be amended to make use of TRIPS flexibilities for the promotion of access to medicines in those regions.
Aim: The capacity building course “Flexibilities of the TRIPS Agreement” is geared towards subject matter experts and decision makers from ministries, governmental institutions, NGOs and local pharmaceutical industry. The program equips participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully utilise (and advocate) the flexibilities presented by the WTO TRIPS Agreement towards pharmaceutical production and other means to promote access to medicines in their countries or regions. This course builds on other related activities by UNCTAD and InWEnt.
Target Group: Experts and decision makers from national ministries, government institutions, non-governmental institutions and commercial enterprises from the pharmaceutical sector who serve as multipliers in their field. Invited are participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam.
Content: Subsequent to a short introduction to the WTO TRIPS flexibilities, the online course will cover the following subject matter structured in five modules:
- Patentable Subject Matter and Patentability Criteria (Module 1)
- Exceptions to Patent Rights (Module 2)
- Compulsory Licenses (Module 3)
- Protection of Pharmaceutical Test Data (Module 4)
- Negotiation Skills (Module 5)
Learning Objectives
Participants will
- develop a comprehensive understanding of TRIPS flexibilities relevant to building local and regional pharmaceutical production and to improving access to high quality, affordablemedicines in developing countries
- recognise the intellectual property dimensions of health, trade/investment and relatedissues
- create a network of regional stakeholders for policy discussion and creation
identify suitable policy options on the national, regional and international level tomake full use of the TRIPS flexibilities - transfer their knowledge to implement initiatives that improve access to medicines, industry and trade policies as well as industrial capacities for sustainable development
act as multipliers for other key stakeholders in their countries.
Structure of the e-learning courseA three-day introductory workshop in Hanoi Vietnam, will precede the start of the course. During the workshop participants will have the chance to familiarise themselves with the online environment and the various communication tools. At the same time they will get to know each other as well as the course tutors.
The e-learning phase is then comprised of five modules, which are to be completed consecutively. Participants will only gain access to a module once the preceding one has been completed. Average time for studying will be approximately 10- 12 hrs per module for the duration of the course (approximately 50-60 hrs) over a period of four months.
Following the online phase, a five-day follow-up workshop will be conducted in South East Asia in December 2009.
Learning Methods
The course follows a blended learning approach, with the online modules being complemented bythe face-to-face seminars. The entire course will be supported by tutors, who will be in direct contact with the participants throughout the modules, and who will be able to direct participants' questions to experts as needed. The continuous interaction amongst participants themselves, as well as between the participants, tutors and other experts is an integral part of the course's design. There are several tools available on the Global Campus 21 learning platform that enable interaction, communication and co-operation. They include a chat room, a pin board for posting information of general interest, a document pool for exchanging completed material and asynchronous discussion tools.
Prerequisites
The face-to-face seminar as well as the e-learning phase will be held in English. In order to read the course materials, write study assignments and participate in discussions, participants need a very good command of the English language. This should be demonstrated by previous attendance of seminars, lectures or conferences held in English. The participants need to have internet access at least three times a week in order to participate in discussions (chats) and download course materials. The online time can be reduced by partly working offline with the CD-ROM of the course.
Further requirements:
- Basic computer and Internet competence (e.g. email, searching the WWW), MS Office,Acrobat Reader
- PC usable for multimedia applications and connected to the Internet, Microsoft WINDOWS 98, or XP, or Vista; Browser (Firefox or Internet Explorer), CD-ROM drive.
Terms of Attendance
A maximum number of 30 participants from the region can be accepted for the online course. Final official invitations will be issued to accepted applicants through InWEnt Bonn. The aim is to form interdisclinary teams from each country. Participants who have successfully taken part in the e-learning phase are eligible to join the follow-up workshop. InWEnt will provide full board accommodation during the introductory and follow-up workshops seminar in Asia for all attendees and will cover local travel costs. Travel expenses to and from the seminar are supposed to be met by the participants or sending organisations as a contribution towards the advanced training. Exceptions (sponsorship) may be made at the discretion of InWEnt.
Travelling arrangements will be made by the participants themselves or in case of sponsorship by InWEnt. Expenses will be reimbursed by InWEnt only on approval and presentation of original receipts. Any other additional costs need to be covered by the participants. It is recommended to bring sufficient extra money for personal expenses.
During the workshops the participants are covered by insurance for emergency care and accidents. This insurance does not include travel insurance, though, or costs of visa, medical examinations or any loss or damage of personal belongings. After the successful completion of the follow-up workshop participants will receive a certificate from InWEnt/ UNCTAD.
InWEnt - Capacity Building International, Germany: InWEnt – Capacity Building International, Germany, is a non-profit organisation with worldwide operations dedicated to human resource development, advanced training, and dialogue. Our capacity building programmes are directed at experts and executives from politics, administration, the business community, and civil society. We are commissioned by the German federal government to assist with the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. In addition, we provide the German business sector with support for public private partnership projects. Through exchange programmes, InWEnt also offers young people from Germany the opportunity to gain professional experience abroad.
UNCTAD: Established in 1964, UNCTAD has been the focal point within the United Nations for the integrated treatment of trade, development and interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, and investment. UNCTAD seeks to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy by providing a forum for intergovernmental deliberations; research and policy analysis; and related technical assistance. UNCTAD’s Programme on the Development Dimensions of Intellectual Property (IP) Rights seeks to help developing countries participate effectively in international discussions on IP rights and at the national level, to help ensure that their IP policies are consonant with development objectives.
Further information: www.unctad.org
Registration
Application Deadline: 22 May 2009
Please fill in the attached application form and sendit, together with your CV by e-mail to the following address: klaudia.sonntag@inwent.org
InWEnt - Capacity Building International ,Germany
- Ms Klaudia Sonntag, Health Division
- Mr Dr. Johannes Kleinschmidt, Health Division
- Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 4053113 Bonn, Germany
- Fon: + 49 (0) 228 - 44601 – 729Fax: + 49 (0) 228 - 44601 – 844
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