Hamburg, 8 July 2017 — MSF comments on the Leader‘s declaration by the G20 Heads of State and Government.
On tuberculosis, health research and antimicrobial resistance:
"We welcome the fact that tuberculosis is mentioned as a research and development (R&D) priority in the final declaration. However, it is disappointing that the G20 did not commit to new and additional investments, as funding for TB R&D today is woefully insufficient," said Marco Alves of MSF Germany. "It is questionable whether the announcement of a collaboration platform to promote existing and future research initiatives can actually start to overcome the failures of today’s R&D system. The G20 must now look ahead to concretely commit to adequate funding of new initiatives that ensure medical tools are accessible and affordable to all people in need, wherever they live. This also applies to research efforts on pathogens with pandemic potential, such as the CEPI research platform, which can make an important contribution to preparing for future health emergencies. The next G20 – hosted by Argentina – must turn these initial ideas into real progress if we are going to sustainably address TB and other drug-resistant infections"
On protection of medical facilities in conflict areas:
"In contrast to their health ministers, the G20 heads of state and government have failed to condemn attacks on medical staff and medical institutions in their final declaration," said Philipp Frisch, head of MSF Germany‘s Advocacy Division. "While the strengthening of health systems plays a role in the Declaration, the devastating destruction in conflict areas such as Yemen, Syria or Afghanistan is completely ignored. We also call on the G20 to commit to concrete steps to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2286. It is the only way to ensure impartial medical assistance in armed conflicts is possible. It is unacceptable that armed attacks on medical facilities are deliberately used as a strategy of war. These attacks kill civilians, including patients, doctors and nurses. And they cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the most basic medical care when it is so urgently needed."