The pharmaceutical industry’s role in global health: Why big pharma’s voice matters
02.07.13
“This is the first time that such a diverse group of experts has been brought together for frank discussions about the future of global health” – Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, commenting on the UNAIDS and Lancet Commission ‘From AIDS to Sustainable Health’
Last Friday saw the first meeting of the UNAIDS and Lancet Commission, From AIDS to Sustainable Health in Malawi. Bringing together CEOs, doctors, global health activists, heads of state, and policy-makers, it unites a diversity of stakeholders to develop a post-2015 roadmap to address the global health issue of AIDS. The diversity of the representatives participating is striking. But what is especially notable to me is the presence of a pharmaceutical industry veteran, as former EFPIA President Sir Andrew Witty, CEO of Glaxo SmithKline, is among the commission members.
It’s good to see that this voice is valued – as it should be. In developing new and improved medicines, the pharmaceutical industry has an important role in shaping global health. The industry has not always been so active in such discussions and that’s a problem that needs to change – and is changing, slowly. Sometimes it comes from a lack of industry participation; other times it comes from a reluctance on the part of other stakeholders to invite pharma to the table. It’s a mistake on both sides.
What innovative ideas might result when such a varied group of individuals is brought together to discuss global health issues? I’m curious to find out. EFPIA’s own global health initiatives have already shown us the value of bringing diverse stakeholders together with the pharmaceutical industry to discuss global health issues. A special report from the Lancet will share the results from the commission’s meetings; a second meeting is planned for early 2014. In any case, I hope to see more open dialogue and collaboration of this sort in the future. And I hope the pharmaceutical industry continues to get involved. As the source of new medicines, we have a responsibility to sit at the table and participate in the discussion.
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