E-DRUG: HAI Global Statement- Expert Working Group leaks
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Expert Working Group leaks cast doubt on the legitimacy of the process
16 December 2009 - News that confidential documents from the World Health Organization's Expert Working Group (EWG) on Research & Development financing were leaked to IFPMA, the international pharmaceutical industry association, casts some doubt on the whole EWG process.
Incredibly, the leaked documents also included IFPMA responses to the EWG draft report and analysis; responses which suggest that industry can take comfort from the fact that many of the recommendations do little to transform the R&D status quo, which protects monopoly markets as the main driver of R&D.
Dr. Tim Reed, Director of HAI, commented, "the leak to industry renders the credibility and legitimacy of the EWG process and outcomes, at best, questionable."
It seems that despite this promising initiative arising from a consensus on the need for change in the R&D framework; some actors in global health policy are more equal than others. The contributions and expertise drawn from a broad range of stakeholders has still not been sufficient to override commercial interests and prompt positive changes in the way that new medicines are researched and developed.
If EWG is to fulfil its purpose and produce the practicable and sustainable ideas that will meet the R&D needs of low- and middle-income countries, then we must feel confident that those ideas are based on merit.
The HAI Global network campaigns to ensure that policies governing medicines and public health are the result of transparent, democratic, and inclusive decision-making processes.
"Terri - Louise Beswick"
Health Action International (Global)
For more information, please contact Communications officer, Terri Beswick at terri@haiweb.org <mailto:terri@haiweb.org>