It marked a shift in position from the EU, which has previously opposed the waiver. But some member states went further, with France’s president among those to give it their full support.
Supporters say the plan will allow more manufacturers around the world to produce the life-saving vaccines.
But opponents, including drug makers, say it may not have the desired effect.
They have argued that lifting patent protections would not solve the problem, and could lead to quality issues and less efficient production, as well as hurting future innovation.
