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Protecting Access to Medicines After Cambodia Graduates From Least Developed Country Status: A Policy Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Brigitte Tenni
  • Joel Lexchin
  • Phin Sovath
  • Belinda Townsend
  • Deborah Gleeson

Abstract

Cambodia is a least developed country (LDC); however, it may graduate from the LDC status by 2029 Membership in the World Trade Organisation, will require Cambodia to provide patent protection for medicines that meet standard criteria. This qualitative policy analysis examines Cambodia's readiness for LDC graduation in terms of protecting access to medicines and explores how it can prepare to mitigate the impact of graduation on access to medicines. The study employed a single case study design that included analysis of key informant interviews and documents retrieved from a targeted literature review and website scans. The Health Policy Triangle framework informed the research design, methods, data collection, and analysis. While Cambodia has established structures and processes to facilitate preparations for LDC graduation and engaged with UN agencies that support sustainable graduation, there has been little focus on the implications of graduation for access to medicines. To prepare for graduation Cambodia will need technical assistance to reform its patent‐related laws and policies. This study demonstrates that LDCs are poorly equipped for the introduction of patent protection and agencies tasked with supporting LDC graduation need to provide assistance to protect access to medicines in countries planning graduation.

Suggested Citation

  • Brigitte Tenni & Joel Lexchin & Phin Sovath & Belinda Townsend & Deborah Gleeson, 2025. "Protecting Access to Medicines After Cambodia Graduates From Least Developed Country Status: A Policy Analysis," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 16(2), pages 275-288, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:glopol:v:16:y:2025:i:2:p:275-288
    DOI: 10.1111/1758-5899.13485
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Md. Deen Islam & Warren A. Kaplan & Veronika J. Wirtz & Kevin P. Gallagher, 2022. "The Social Costs of Success: The Impact of World Trade Organization Rules on Insulin Prices in Bangladesh upon Graduation from Least Developed Country Status," Asian Development Review (ADR), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 39(01), pages 239-279, March.
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