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Move to end tariffs on vital drugs and diagnostics

    JOHANNESBURG

    The US, Switzerland and Singapore are proposing that tariffs on the global trade of medicines and equipment for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, be dropped by developing countries.

    The World Health Organisation estimated that US $33 billion in pharmaceuticals and $23 billion in medical equipment was still traded subject to duty, predominantly by developing countries.

    According to the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), support for their proposal would help improve development and public health in developing countries struggling their respective pandemics.

    "Removing tariffs on medicines and diagnostic equipment, will assist all countries in tackling both emerging and existing health problems," CalTrade Report, an online business news service, quoted the USTR as saying.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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