Medicines for All, All for Medicines

Thank you for your continuous support of Universities Allied for Essential Medicines Europe.

On the 11th March, we witnessed the world enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. And as we mark this grave milestone this month, billions of people still lack access to essential treatments and vaccinations, pushing us further as an organisation to continue our advocacy in the field. The members of UAEM Europe have been working tirelessly in all campaigning efforts to end COVID monopolies, and promote equitable and affordable access to medicines at all levels, both within and from the region. Over the past few months, we have; 

• Focused the spotlight on Germany’s position on the TRIPS Waiver In response to the government remarks defaulting on their support for the TRIPS Waiver, UAEM Germany has been campaigning alongside allies to   demand the government backs the temporary patent suspension through the waiver, in order to protect and saves lives worldwide.
• Launched new research exploring university’s response on equitable access to COVID-19 health technologies UAEM UK published new research on 35 UK universities and discovered their limited engagement in taking measures that would promote equitable access to these technologies from the first year of the pandemic, which yet again highlighted the need for these institutions to adopt equitable access policies. 

Whilst we work to bolster our advocacy and research efforts, UAEM Europe has simultaneously seen various successes through our empowerment activities over the previous few months, as we have focused on educating and up-skilling young people across the region, with our key activities including; 

• Gender and Health Webinar Series: UAEM Europe, working alongside FEMMED*, launched a 4-part Gender and Health webinar series; exploring the depths and intricacies of gender health and medicines; with topics including insights into the challenges of the trans and gender diverse community in the healthcare system. The series has so far reached over 150 people, with further webinars under planning. 
• Membership Training Weekend: Members from across the UK came together in-person for the first time since before the pandemic to host their national training weekend. The 2-day training supported local coordinators to strengthen their advocacy efforts at their universities located across the country. 
• European Conference: After a 2-year break, we have officially announced the dates for our annual European Conference, in May 2022. We have been working on this large-scale exchange as a means to bring together over 150 enthusiastic young people from our eight active countries - and more! - to reform transnational partnerships and for provide high-quality technical and soft skills training on health advocacy to young people.

As we continue to see the everyday importance of fighting access to medicines challenges across the globe, UAEM Europe looks forward to a successful academic year ahead! We are grateful for your donations and continued support for our cause.