WHO Executive Board, 132nd session IFPMA Statement under agenda item 8.2 “Pandemic influenza preparedness: sharing of influenza viruses and access to vaccines and other benefits”
Delivered by Janis Bernat, Assoc. Director, Biotherapeutics & Scientific Affairs
Madam Chair, Madam Director General, and colleagues, thank you for the opportunity to provide input to this important discussion. The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) represents the leading research-based pharmaceutical companies as well as national industry associations across the world.
In December 2012, CEOs of several influenza vaccine companies renewed their commitment to working with the WHO and the PIP Advisory Group recognizing the progress made over the course of 2012 through the PIP Advisory Group consultation process. At the same time, there were concerns that some of the key elements of the PIP Framework could not be finalized by the end of 2012, including the methodology for calculating individual company contributions. However, several IFPMA influenza vaccine companies took the initiative and made a collective contribution of more than USD 14 million to the 2012 Annual Partnership Contribution fund to enable the successful, sustainable implementation of the PIP Framework. In addition, a manufacturer of an influenza antiviral, also made a contribution of USD 4 million bringing a total contribution of more than USD 18 million from our member companies.
Madam Chair, we hope that the 2012 voluntary financial contributions will allow the WHO Secretariat and the PIP Advisory Group to plan and implement the infrastructure and resources needed to complete the outstanding steps required to ensure sustainability of the PIP Framework. These include the finalization of a methodology to support partnership contributions; identification of contributors; collection of contributions; and determination of how best these funds can be used to improve pandemic preparedness, strengthen confidence in immunization and increase immunization rates. We believe that these proactive payments represent a major advance toward the establishment of the Annual Partnership Contribution fund.
We extend our sincere wishes to the WHO and the PIP Advisory Group for a successful implementation of the Annual Partnership Contribution mechanism in 2013, and we continue to urge, Madam Chair, for broad consultation among all stakeholders on the overall process. A consultative approach is key to ensuring the best possible impact and sustainability on the use of the funds for pandemic preparedness.
Thank you.
Check against delivery, 24 January 2013
