Africa: Opportunity to Transform Medical Innovation Before Health Ministers

press release

Geneva — The world's health ministers, gathering in Geneva for the World Health Assembly this week, will decide whether or not to start the process for a binding agreement that would jumpstart research and development (R&D) for medical needs that are currently unmet. Today, the international humanitarian medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) urged health ministers to seize the unique opportunity and give the green light to a proposal that has been years in the making. By passing a resolution at the WHA, governments can this week take the first step to making an R&D convention a reality.

"Medical innovation is not delivering for the needs of people in developing countries. Governments have the power, the responsibility and, from today, the opportunity to change this," said Michelle Childs, Director of Policy/Advocacy at MSF's Access Campaign. "A clear and compelling case has been made for an R&D convention. WHO Member States must get on with starting the process, and not look for excuses to delay."

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