Joint Plenary Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) and the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (WGIHR)
On 23 February 2024, IFPMA submitted a statement at the Joint Plenary Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) and the Working Group on the Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (WGIHR) in Geneva, Switzerland.
At this key juncture of the negotiations, it is more critical than ever to have a coordinated, coherent, and complementary approach in addressing the key Articles of both negotiations, particularly on equitable access.
No single entity nor Member State can tackle these complex challenges alone. Multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral engagement, including governments, civil society, and private sector, are essential to shape pragmatic, implementable, and sustainable solutions, with equity front and center.
While two-minute plenary statements are helpful for high-level input and informal opportunities have increasingly been made available for ad-hoc stakeholder contributions, we welcome further consideration from this joint plenary on how best to formally consult with relevant stakeholders in a meaningful, balanced way.
With text-based negotiations to start in the coming weeks, it is imperative that there is a common understanding of potential solutions and that they are grounded in evidence and validated for feasibility as early as possible.
We take this opportunity to reaffirm the innovative pharmaceutical industry’s full commitment to constructively contribute to both processes. We stand ready to cooperate and collaborate closely with Member States and other stakeholders to facilitate convergence toward successful outcomes in May.
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.
ifpma.org
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.
