WHO’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework: A Milestone in Global Governance for Health
David P. Fidler,
306(2) JAMA 200 (July 13, 2011)
Abstract: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1890912
“…..In May 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework for the Sharing of Influenza Viruses and Access to Vaccines and Other Benefits (PIP Framework). The PIP Framework’s adoption ended years of difficult negotiations, which began after
The PIP Framework seeks to improve pandemic influenza preparedness by addressing virus and benefit sharing on an equal footing and establishing mechanisms to achieve more equitable access to benefits. To facilitate virus sharing, the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness PIP Framework encourages WHO member states to share influenza virus specimens. It also creates a virus tracking mechanism that features two standard material transfer agreements to increase transparency concerning the use of shared viruses. This mechanism represents the Framework’s most significant contribution to strengthening pandemic influenza surveillance and response.
The Framework’s benefit-sharing system contains many components, but its most notable accomplishment for increasing equitable access to benefits is the pharmaceutical industry’s agreement to provide monetary and in-kind contributions.
The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness PIP Framework is a landmark for global governance for health because it is the first international agreement facilitating influenza virus and benefit sharing. However, the Framework is not legally binding, avoids intellectual property issues that complicated the negotiations, does not include commitments from developed countries to donate portions of influenza vaccines they purchase, and faces implementation challenges in an increasingly difficult global health environment….”
The framework emerges as political and financial capital for global health is decreasing. When the next pandemic occurs, will the international community identify the threat and deploy effective therapeutic technologies? Will scientific research and innovations be shared more equitably? Global cooperation and fair allocation of life-saving resources are essential for an effective and humane response to global health threats….”
Twitter http://twitter.com/eqpaho
* * *
This message from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO, is part of an effort to disseminate
information Related to: Equity; Health inequality; Socioeconomic inequality in health; Socioeconomic
health differentials; Gender; Violence; Poverty; Health Economics; Health Legislation; Ethnicity; Ethics;
Information Technology - Virtual libraries; Research & Science issues. [DD/ KMC Area]
“Materials provided in this electronic list are provided "as is". Unless expressly stated otherwise, the findings
and interpretations included in the Materials are those of the authors and not necessarily of The Pan American
Health Organization PAHO/WHO or its country members”.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAHO/WHO Website
Equity List - Archives - Join/remove: http://listserv.paho.org/Archives/equidad.html
Twitter http://twitter.com/eqpaho
IMPORTANT: This transmission is for use by the intended
recipient and it may contain privileged, proprietary or
confidential information. If you are not the intended
recipient or a person responsible for delivering this
transmission to the intended recipient, you may not
disclose, copy or distribute this transmission or take
any action in reliance on it. If you received this transmission
in error, please dispose of and delete this transmission.
Thank you.
