78th WHO Regional Committee for the Americas: Briefing session – reforming the global health architecture
On 2 October 2026 in Washington, D.C., IFPMA delivered a statement on reforming the global health architecture as a special briefing session following the 78th Regional Committee for the Americas.
IFPMA welcomes this discussion on global health architecture reform and emphasizes the need for an architecture that fosters innovation, strengthens health systems, and forges partnerships that advance health globally.
Reform should help countries deliver national health priorities and advance universal health coverage, while reducing duplication and protecting essential functions.
First, reform should foster innovation. Access must be considered from the outset of product development and implementation. Predictable policy and regulatory frameworks, strong intellectual property systems, regulatory reliance, and open trade support innovation and sustainable supply. Public and philanthropic investments in product development should be matched by early planning for regulatory pathways, procurement, financing, and country readiness. Greater predictability in demand can also support long-term manufacturing investment and supply security.
Second, reform should strengthen health systems. International support should align with national health plans, budgets, and procurement strategies. Simpler application and reporting requirements can reduce administrative burden and support healthcare delivery, including primary healthcare and the prevention and long-term management of non-communicable diseases. Sustainable domestic financing remains essential to maintaining services and ensuring successful transitions from external support, particularly for middle-income countries.
Third, reform should forge stronger partnerships. WHO’s central normative role, including technical guidance, standards, surveillance, and emergency coordination, should be preserved. Clear roles and responsibilities across institutions can improve coherence and accountability. Early and structured engagement with industry can bring scientific, regulatory, manufacturing, supply, and implementation expertise into planning, while preserving Member State authority over public priorities and decisions.
As the global trade body representing the innovative pharmaceutical industry, IFPMA stands ready to contribute its expertise to global health architecture reform.
About IFPMA
IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.
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To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.
