Latest development of the gathering of WHO member states to discuss on the recommendations by CWG

The open-ended meeting of the member states of  World Health Organization (WHO) at its Headquarters, Geneva to discuss the recommendations by "Consultative Expert Working Group (CEWG)" on Research and Development, is going to be concluded today. In our earlier article, we have informed the details about the objectives of the meeting. In today's press release, WHO informed that the proposal by "CEWG" is still on the negotiating table. The issue is very complex and it will take more time to build up a consensus among the memberS nations.

WHO circulated a follow-up report of last two days' proceedings of the meeting. The follow-up report admits the urgency of developing a mechanism to provide health facilities to the under privileged section of developing countries at a low cost. Besides it, the other consensus of opinions are :-

• Recognizing the need for enhancing investments in health R&D related to Type II and Type III diseases and the specific R&D needs of developing countries in relation to Type I diseases.
• Recognizing the need for improving monitoring of R&D resource flows, coordination of R&D and priority-setting based on the public health needs of developing countries.
• Recognizing the importance of securing sustainable financing mechanisms for R&D to develop and deliver medical technologies to address the health needs of developing countries.

Iran has included a new proposal in the draft resolution. Their proposal was to establish a "Global Health & Monitoring, Coordination and Financial action Committee" for the development of effective, safe, quality, suitable and affordable health technologies as an alternative of the existing market mechanisms and public policies that fail to deliver the proper health services to the poor people of the world. Iran also said that the formation of this committee should be the initial step of "WHO".

According to some sources, there was clear division between the member states in favor and against the binding of convention. In the opening session, two South Asian Countries, Thailand and Cambodia advocated for strong "Research and Development Treaty". United States and some European Community nations submitted a paper on pilot process of implementation. The paper mentions that the research and funding gaps have been already identified. They advise to start with 2-3 distinct diseases or health conditions.

Some well-known Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) were also present at the outside the meeting hall to observe the development of the meeting. They requested the delegates to find out a permanent solution to the issue, not a stop gap arrangement.

Viroj Tangcharoensathien of Thailand, chairperson of the meeting will deliver the outcome of the meeting on 29th November in an open session.