“We are in a race against time. We need to continue ramping up vaccine production and exporting, as we have done so far. But this is not enough. Production sites need to be developed in low and middle-income countries, and for this access to technology is crucial.

“We fully back the Commission efforts within the WTO to ensure a universal and fair access to Covid-19 vaccines and treatments. Restrictions on exports should be lifted, particularly as regards doses for Covax. Voluntary licensing agreements should be encouraged as an effective tool to bring vaccines quickly to those in need. Compulsory licensing is a legitimate tool when those voluntary agreements fail. Multilateralism and solidarity are the way out of this crisis.”