The 11th Trilateral Technical Symposium, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), focused on enhancing manufacturing capacities to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The event highlighted that NCDs account for 74% of global deaths, primarily affecting low- and middle-income countries. Despite their significant impact, NCDs have not been prioritized in funding from global health institutions.
"Non-communicable diseases account for the bulk of the global disease burden — 74% of all deaths globally, the majority in low- and middle-income countries," a statement read during the symposium. The expected rise in NCD-related deaths from 41 million annually to 52 million by 2030 underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.
Speakers at the symposium discussed how health, trade, and intellectual property policies could reduce the global NCD burden. They emphasized lessons learned from COVID-19 about strengthening manufacturing and innovation capacities across regions. Key points included diversifying medical manufacturing capacity to avoid shortages and ensuring sustained demand through pooled procurement initiatives.
"Resilient supply chains and sustainable regional manufacturing can help to avoid such shortages in the future," was one of the insights shared at the event. Additionally, participants highlighted that new companies entering the market for NCD medicines could bolster supplies if trade remains open.
The symposium also addressed transparency and coordination among new manufacturing initiatives launched since COVID-19. It was noted that more needs to be done to ensure these efforts complement each other effectively.
"Innovation, not just manufacturing, needs to happen in more countries," speakers stressed, advocating for technology sharing through voluntary collaboration or government-supported research under WTO rules.
Finally, discussions acknowledged that while trade can contribute to rising NCDs due to lower prices on unhealthy products, it also offers solutions through measures like Australia's Plain Packaging rules for tobacco control.
The symposium concluded with a call for public-private partnerships to enhance manufacturing and innovation capacities necessary for reducing NCD burdens globally. "Here at the WTO, together with our partners at WHO and WIPO, we stand ready to support your efforts," affirmed organizers as they pledged continued collaboration with various sectors.