Statement 30 May 2017

WHO WHA 70 agenda item 15.6 Cancer prevention and control in the context of an integrated approach

By IFPMA
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Delivered by Fumie Griego, Assistant Director General

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) welcomes the resolution and its integrated approach to cancer prevention and control. The economic impact of cancer continues to rise, while the funding to support these efforts have not kept pace. All sectors must come together to ensure that high quality cancer care is seen as a vital investment for health and economic wellbeing. Our industry is committed to delivering new solutions, with recent innovations delivering better outcomes and longer lives. We were very pleased to see the resolution recognize that “intellectual property rights are an important incentive in the development of new health products”.

We echo the resolution’s call to action to build health systems that ensure patients across the globe are diagnosed early enough to benefit from a full set of treatment options including surgery, radiation and medicines – both generic and new. We recognize that this fight against cancer requires long-term, holistic efforts with a sense of urgency. That is why 23 innovative biopharmaceutical companies have come together through the new Access Accelerated Initiative to collaborate on UICC’s City Cancer Challenge 2025 to improve cancer treatment and care in low- and middle-income countries. IFPMA is also collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency on building health workforce capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.

We recognize that the cost of cancer care, including new treatments, is an area of concern for many member states and the global public health community. IFPMA members are working directly with member states and payers to address affordability concerns “taking into account their context, institutional and legal frameworks as well as national priorities”.

The research-based biopharmaceutical industry stands ready to work with the WHO and the broader public health community to address the growing burden of this devastating disease across the globe.

 

About IFPMA

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) represents over 90 innovative pharmaceutical companies and associations around the world. Our industry’s almost three million employees discover, develop, and deliver medicines and vaccines that advance global health. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community improve the lives of people everywhere. For more information, visit ifpma.org.

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Elliot Dunster
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