Intervention | 24 January, 2018 | Download PDF

Health Action International welcomes the Director General’s report on the Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property. As one of many stakeholders that contributed to the public consultations, HAI applauds the Panel’s recommendations regarding implementation and fulfillment of the Global Strategy and Plan of Action—even if it is somewhat scaled back.

We believe the actions recommended by the Panel cover most of the areas addressed by the Global Strategy and Plan of Action, such as the establishment of a needs-driven research agenda, and the promotion of innovative R&D models to enhance access to medical innovation.

We are, however, slightly concerned about the funding of the identified priority actions. While we encourage Member States and other possible funders to contribute, we suggest that the proposed actions, which are crucial for ensuring universal health coverage and equitable access to medicines and medical technologies, —–be regularly funded. Stable resourcing will legitimise WHO´s work on innovation and intellectual property and ensure it is completely incorporated within the organisation’s mainstream work plan.

Finally, we hope the drafting of detailed implementation plans is both consultative, in accordance with the Panel´s recommendations, and transparent. In addition, we suggest greater synergies with other initiatives not flagged in the Strategy and Plan of Action, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and WHO initiatives on anti-microbial resistance (AMR).