The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are set to host a symposium focused on enhancing manufacturing for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, account for 74% of global deaths, predominantly affecting low- and middle-income countries. The symposium aims to address this significant health and economic challenge by exploring how strengthened manufacturing capacity can promote innovation and improve access to health technologies.
The event will feature opening remarks from the Directors-General of WHO, WIPO, and WTO. Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO's Chief Scientist, will deliver the keynote address discussing the increasing burden of NCDs and the role of diversified manufacturing capacities in supporting a global response.
Three panel discussions will follow. They will cover recent developments in reducing the global NCD burden, challenges and opportunities in enhancing manufacturing capacities, and the role of trade and intellectual property in these efforts. Additionally, they will discuss innovation's role and local manufacturing's contribution to optimizing responses to NCDs.
The symposium is scheduled for December 13, 2024, at the WTO in Geneva. It is open to public participation with online registration required by December 9. The event will be conducted in English and livestreamed on YouTube.
This symposium marks the 11th joint technical meeting on public health, IP, and trade organized by WHO, WIPO, and WTO. It continues their collaborative efforts to strengthen members' capabilities at the intersection of health issues.