Statement 9 November 2020

IFPMA Statement for the resumed 73rd WHA on agenda item 13.3 Influenza preparedness

By IFPMA

IFPMA very much welcomes the holistic approach of WHO to influenza preparedness. We acknowledge that a well performing GISRS, implementation of the Global Influenza Strategy 2019-2030 and ensuring the success of the PIP Framework’s objectives are key to this preparedness. IFPMA would also like to fully support WHO’s call for further sensitizing Member States to the importance of timely influenza virus sharing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the criticality of fast, timely and unrestricted access to pathogen information in allowing the development of medical countermeasures and understanding the genomic epidemiology of the virus. Such should also hold true for any pathogen of epidemic or pandemic potential, and we hope any update to the IHR takes the need for timely and unrestricted pathogen sharing into account.

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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