Topic 1

Introduction

A new swine influenza virus is causing outbreaks in humans in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, and the virus has possibly spread to other countries. This outbreak has alarmed public health officials because of its epidemiological characteristics, which indicate that the virus may be able to cause a pandemic.

On March 20, 2009, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body adopted the report of the dispute settlement panel in China – Measures Affecting the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (China – IPR).[1] The report addressed three claims brought by the United States alleging that certain Chinese measures are inconsistent with the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

Introduction

On August 28, 2008, the United Kingdom’s National Contact Point (UK-NCP) issued its decision in Global Witness v. Afrimex Ltd.[1] In this case, Global Witness, a non-governmental organization,[2] alleged that Afrimex Ltd.

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Long a simmering problem, the global health workforce shortage is now reaching crisis proportions. In response, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted resolution WHA 57.19 in May 2004 mandating development of a non-binding code of practice on the international recruitment of health personnel.