On 6 November 2017, a group of US civil society organisations sent a letter urging the US government and industry not to interfere with South Africa’s efforts to promote access to lifesaving medicines. The group wrote they were “gravely concerned that the US government and industry representatives will try to undermine the South African government’s plan to reform patent laws over the next few months.” The letter notes that the draft intellectual property policy is both “consistent with South Africa’s international obligations” and “morally necessary.” It also highlights similar, existing policies in US law. The full text of the letter can be read below.