Pharma industry opens consultation on plan to tackle non-communicable diseases

31 Aug 2011 | News
A six week online consultation has opened on the implementation of a framework for action for the prevention and control of chronic diseases

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) has launched a public consultation on its proposed Framework for Action on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which is intended to provide the basis for the pharma industry to partner with people on the ground, governments and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to find ways to address the prevention, care and treatment of NCDs in the developing world.

The programme was announced in June this year. Now, the internet consultation aims to ensure IFPMA has more general backing for its proposals.

NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, are the leading cause of death and disease both in developed and developing countries, and pose mounting threat to public health and to public and private finances worldwide.

In response to these concerns, the pharma industry developed the framework for action, to focus on the areas where it can make the most impact in terms of innovation, access and affordability, and also prevention and health education.

At the launch of the framework on 16 June, IFPMA invited WHO, along with national governments, academia and patient groups to join and inform the NCD Framework.

Eduardo Pisani, IFPMA Director General said that publishing the framework is just the beginning. “Our vision is to work with others to identify what can be done in practice to help poor people to access the care and treatment they need. Together we want to find ideas for concrete actions to put on the table [….] The framework is our roadmap for this work.”

The internet consultation is part of a wider dialogue the industry has launched since unveiling the framework earlier this year. The consultation is open from 26 August to 7 October 2011. Updates and other information will be available at www.ifpma.org.

IFPMA is a global non-profit organisation representing the pharmaceutical industry, including the biotech and vaccine sectors. Its members include international companies and national and regional industry associations in low, middle and high income countries.

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