Covid resources: Developing countries at the mercy of their wealthier counterparts 16 Mar 2021 Wealthier countries remain determined to keep essential Covid-19 resources to themselves. (Photo by Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images) Wealthier countries remain determined to keep essential Covid-19 resources to themselves, rather than facilitating easier trade of such items with developing countries, despite talks at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In October 2020, India and South Africa proposed a temporary intellectual property waiver on equipment, medication and vaccines related to the Covid-19 pandemic. They presented a possible way to help to combat Covid-19, while ensuring future growth in developing countries. But negotiations on 9 March between WTO members yielded no concessions from several developed countries.