Category WHO

The Problem With Rare Diseases: R&D Lacking, High Prices, Discrimination, IP Issues

Over 6,000 rare diseases, those affecting very small populations, have been documented in the world. For those affected, treatments are mostly non-existent, and if they do exist, are not affordable. An event last week gathered a number of stakeholders, including rare disease organisations, the World Health Organization and the pharmaceutical industry to discuss the particular issue of rare diseases. The case of rare diseases is an exacerbated example of research, pricing, accessibility and affordability.

Confidential Draft Of WHO Cancer Resolution Shows Remaining Issues IP-Related

The latest version of a draft resolution on addressing the global rise of cancer negotiated last week at the World Health Organization shows that remaining points are intellectual property-related, but there seems to be agreement on referencing trade flexibilities in the text, even from the United States, and a common goal of lowering prices of treatment. WHO members tried to reach common language during the Executive Board in January but time ran out and discussions are expected to continue until the annual World Health Assembly in May.

No Shorter Floor Statements Nor Cap On Agenda Items, Says WHO Board

Despite being in a time of tight budgets, the World Health Organization Executive Board meeting which ended this week had its heaviest agenda ever, according WHO Director General Margaret Chan, adding to staff workload and expenses. But the Board finished its work a day early (though after holding three evening sessions), earning praise from Chan. Efforts during the week to make meetings more efficient by limiting agenda items and reducing time allowed for statements fell short. Separately, concerns arose over a leadership advisory group to the WHO director general.

UN High-Level Panel, Medicines Access Find Foothold At World Health Assembly In May

World Health Organization member states seeking solutions for ensuring medicines access have been looking for ways to get a recent controversial report from the UN headquarters on the WHO agenda. The Executive Board this week heard concerns and left open the possibility that it will come up at the annual World Health Assembly in May.

Cancer Resolution Not Agreed Yet At WHO; Work Needed On IP Issues

World Health Organisation members tried to agree on a draft resolution on cancer during the WHO Executive Board but consensus escaped them, in particular on intellectual property issues, according to sources. The text is expected to be discussed informally with a view to reaching common language on the remaining issues by the annual World Health Assembly in May.

Gates Foundation, KEI Enter Into Official Relations With WHO

The World Health Organization Executive Board ended its meeting one day early today, and agreed to have five new institutions to enter into official relation with the organisation, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, despite protests from civil society groups, and Knowledge Ecology International, led by activist firebrand Jamie Love. Meanwhile, the WHO is pursuing the implementation of its framework of engagement with non-governmental actors adopted in 2016. WHO members urged the organisation to speedily provide implementation tools such as a register of all such actors. The WHO said all is on track and is expected to be ready by the next World Health Assembly.

WHO-Led Efforts To Boost R&D In Neglected Diseases Jeopardised By Funding Gap

Finding resources to fund research and development for diseases primarily affecting developing and least-developed countries is a continuous challenge. Hopes were raised in 2015 with projects to launch a Global Observatory on Health Research and Development, and a voluntary pooled fund for research and development projects. However, the lack of funding is jeopardizing those initiatives despite some contributions by developed and middle-income countries.

WHO Members Negotiate Resolution On Cancer; High Prices In Question

Cancer is spreading. According to the World Health Organization, the number of new cases of cancer is projected to increase to 21.6 million annually by 2030. The WHO Executive Board this week is considering a draft resolution for actions by the WHO member states and the secretariat. The resolution is being discussed and amended as issues such as the affordability and the accessibility of new cancer medicines, in particular in developing countries, are highlighted by many.

Is Gates Foundation, WHO’s Biggest Private Funder, Ineligible To Join WHO?

As the World Health Organization Board prepares to consider candidate institutions to be admitted into official relations with the organisation, some health and public interest groups are raising alarm at what they see as a seeming lack of safeguard against conflicts of interest. Particular concern has been raised over admitting the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as an observer because of the Foundation trust’s investments in business ventures such as Coca-Cola, which they see as contrary to health goals. But the Gates Foundation, which is the biggest private donor to the WHO, said the trust is a separate entity from the foundation, and therefore does not represent any conflict of interest.