[e-drug] IFPMA on the WHA

["Andy Gray" <andy@healthlink.org.za>]

E-DRUG: IFPMA on the WHA
------------------------
[crossposted from DRUGINFO with thanks. NN]

Hi all

Below is the IFPMA's view of the resolutions passed by the WHA. 
For .pdf version, see 
http://www.ifpma.org/pdfifpma/NRWHA2001May22.pdf

regards
Andy
~~~~

World Health Assembly

Geneva, Switzerland, 22 May 2001 ? Last week, the 54th World 
Health Assembly came to a close. The International Federation of 
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA) is pleased 
that the resolutions adopted by the Assembly concerning 
HIV/AIDS, the Revised Drug Strategy, and the Strengthening of 
Health Systems recognized the need to focus on prevention, 
education, infrastructure and financing in efforts to improve access 
to quality healthcare worldwide. These resolutions also identified 
that efforts to improve health care could be met within existing 
international trade agreements and upheld the importance of 
working in accordance with such agreements.  

?While access to medicines is certainly an important aspect to 
providing care to patients, Member States affirmed that 
improvements in stronger overall health infrastructure and 
prevention measures are absolutely necessary if we are to make 
headway against this pandemic?, said Dr. Harvey Bale Jr., Director 
General of IFPMA. In the Assembly?s discussions about the 
resolutions, Member States placed a particular emphasis on the 
need for improving health infrastructures such as outpatient 
services, home based care, clinics, and  other  treatment 
capacities. Furthermore, the resolutions noted that prevention 
should be the main stay for a coordinated action program to fight 
HIV/AIDS. It was also recognized that intellectual property regimes 
promote innovation and that the development of domestic industries 
must be consistent with international law. 

The research-based pharmaceutical industry is committed to 
working together with all major stakeholders to improve access to 
worldwide quality healthcare, especially in developing countries. 

Dr. Harvey Bale Jr. reaffirmed IFPMA?s commitment ?to working 
with international organizations, responsible actors in civil society 
and WHO Member States to fight infectious diseases and bring 
better healthcare within reach for current and future generations?. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andy Gray
Discipline Chair: Pharmacy Practice
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
University of Durban-Westville
email: andy@healthlink.org.za
Tel: +27 31 2044358 Fax: +27 31 2044792
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