February 8, 2020
GHTC delivers statement on global strategy on health, innovation, and IP at WHO Executive Board Meeting
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PATH/Eric Becker
The following statement—from Global Health Council, supported by the Global Health Technologies Coalition—was delivered at the 146th session of the WHO Executive Board Meeting on agenda item 14: Global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property.
Global Health Council, supported by the Global Health Technologies Coalition, thanks the chair and distinguished delegates for this opportunity to comment on the Global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property.
We applaud the World Health Organization (WHO) for its work on helping member states build regulatory capacity and work to pool procurement under the Essential Medicines List, and support WHO’s efforts to address regulatory barriers which ensure timely access to affordable and quality medicines.
We hope that WHO and member states can work to better leverage innovative structures, including product development partnerships and other novel mechanisms, in securing sustainable access commitments. Such innovative approaches accelerate the development of and access to essential health technologies targeting neglected diseases. Many of these stakeholders have experience managing intellectual property, supporting affordability, strengthening local research and regulatory capacity, and managing supply chains.
We call on member states to encourage more research and development on conditions affecting vulnerable populations including children, adolescents, and young people, and urge WHO to continue its efforts to expand the Essential Diagnostics List. We strongly support WHO’s goal of increasing access to appropriate, affordable, quality-assured, and effective diagnostics in underserved regions of the world.
Tags: Advocacy action