The World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and World Health Organisation (WHO) have collaborated to strengthen manufacturing capabilities aimed at tackling the global challenge of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
This partnership was announced during the 11th Trilateral Technical Symposium held on December 13 in Geneva, themed “Strengthening Manufacturing Capacities to Address the NCD Burden.”
A statement from WHO on Thursday highlighted the urgent need for innovation and diversified production to combat NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes, which are responsible for 74% of global deaths.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration and investment, stating, “Open trade is essential for scaling up production,” a lesson reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
WIPO Director-General Daren Tang underscored the necessity of developing local manufacturing and innovation ecosystems, advocating for countries to establish centers of innovation alongside manufacturing capabilities.
WHO’s Dr. Yukiko Nakatani added that “Access to affordable, quality-assured health technologies is a fundamental human right.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s Chief Scientist, warned that neglecting equity in scientific advancements could worsen global inequalities, stating, “If we don’t prioritize equality in innovation, science will deepen disparities.”
The symposium included discussions on strategies to mitigate NCD burdens, manufacturing challenges, and the role of intellectual property in enhancing access to health technologies.
WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill concluded the event by stressing the need for an environment that fosters scientific research while ensuring affordable treatment options.
