On 28 August at the 74^th WHO Africa Regional Committee Meeting in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, IFPMA submitted a statement on Agenda item 10: Framework for strengthening local production of medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies in the WHO African Region 2025-2035.

IFPMA has consistently expressed the need to support the development of a sustainable health industries environment in Africa, including incentives for local production. It should be recalled that at the European-African Business Forum in 2022, the Health Working Group proposed:

• Sustainable financial mechanisms
• A stable business environment that respects business ethics and incentivizes innovation, including through intellectual property protection and enforcement
• Voluntary and mutually agreed terms for licensing, including technology transfer
• Regulatory system strengthening, harmonization, reliance practices, and timely product registration
• Free and open trade
• The development and retention of local skilled workforces.

We note that many of these policy needs are proposed in the resolution, but it is essential that there is political will to implement such policies.

IFPMA and our members will continue working with African stakeholders to build this ecosystem by:

• Contributing to regulatory harmonization through the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization program and the establishment of African Medicines Agency
• Promoting business integrity and codes of conduct
• Incentivizing innovation through the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award and our partnership with H3D Foundation
• Facilitating business-to-business partnerships and free trade through our engagement with the PAVM and AfCFTA Secretariat respectively.
• Entering into voluntary partnerships that are based on mutually agreed terms and built on trust, expertise, and experience.

As part of achieving these objectives, it is essential that WHO Afro and Member States maintain open and inclusive dialogue with the private sector.

Only together through the co-creation of solutions and holistic policies can we meet the common objective of increasing access across the continent.

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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Media Contact

Elliot Dunster e.dunster@ifpma.org