UN SECRETARY-GENERAL’S HIGH-LEVEL PANEL CALLS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS ON WAYS TO PROMOTE INNOVATION AND INCREASE ACCESS TO MEDICINES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York (December 22, 2015) – The United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines is calling for contributions to one of the greatest public health challenges of our time – how to promote innovation and increase access to medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and related health technologies in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.
The call for contributions launched by the High-Level Panel is open to governments, for-profit companies, research institutions, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, legal experts and patient groups. One smart idea could transform millions of lives.
“I would like to encourage as many stakeholders as possible to make contributions and participate in the work of the High-Level Panel,” said Ruth Dreifuss, Co-Chair of the Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines. “The insights we gain from their active engagement will be critical to informing our recommendations on promoting innovation and access to health technologies to ensure the health and well-being for all, as envisioned in Sustainable Development Goal 3.”
The call for contributions can be accessed on the High-Level Panel’s website: www.unsgaccessmeds.org and interested parties can submit contributions from 21 December 2015 to 18 February 2016.
Shortlisted contributions will be invited to participate in one of two hearings in March 2016 being convened by the High-Level Panel. Stakeholders and interested groups will also have the opportunity to share their feedback on the shortlisted contributions at the hearings.
Contributions will inform the High-Level Panel’s final report which will focus on solutions for remedying the policy incoherence between trade rules, international human rights law and public health objectives in the context of health technologies.
Note to the Editor:
The Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines comprises 16 eminent individuals with a deep knowledge and understanding of the broad range of legal, trade, public health and human rights issues relevant to access to medicines and health technologies.
Biographies and additional information on the High-Level Panel can be accessed at www.UNSGaccessmeds.org
The work of the High-Level Panel is supported by an Expert Advisory Group comprising experts from academia, industry and civil society as well as representatives from United Nations and multilateral organisations.
UNDP, in collaboration with UNAIDS, serves as the Secretariat for the High-Level Panel.
Media Contact Information:
John Butler, Global Health Strategies, +44 7999 785622, jbutler@globalhealthstrategies.com