Question : GLOBAL INSTRUMENT FOR HEALTH RESEARCH

(a) whether the World Health Organisation (WHO) has laid down a road map for the binding instrument to address the research and development needs of developing countries for Type II and Type III diseases and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has decided to support and share the cost of research and development as required under the said global instrument; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the funds contributed/likely to be contributed to the aforesaid pooled global fund for health research?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) to (c): The Consultative Expert Working Group on Research and Development, Financing and Coordination (CEWG) was set up by the World Health Assembly in 2010 by resolution WHA 63.28 in response to a concern that insufficient resources were being devoted globally to research and development (R&D) to address treatments for diseases that principally affect developing countries.

The CEWG is mandated to take forward the work of its predecessor, the Expert Working Group on R & D Financing and Coordination (EWG); deepen the analysis of the proposals in the EWG’s report; consider additional submissions and proposals from Member States, any regional and subregional consultations, and from other stakeholders; and to examine the appropriateness of different R & D financing approaches and the feasibility of implementation of these approaches in each of the six WHO regions, with subregional analysis; as appropriate.

CEWG submitted its report in May 2012. This report made a number of proposals for new and innovative sources of financing to stimulate research and development (R & D) related to Type II and Type III diseases, and the specific R & D needs of developing countries in relation to Type I diseases. The resolution WHA 66.22 passed by the 66th World Health Assembly in May 2013 on this issue inter-alia called for the following:

a. Specific actions through a strategic work plan to improve monitoring and coordination, and to ensure sustainable funding for health R & D (in line with WHA61.21, Global Strategy and Plan of Action); and

b. Identification of a few health R & D demonstration projects as a step towards achieving the goal of development and the delivery of affordable effective, safe and high quality health products.

On March 2014, the former Chair and Vice-Chair of the Consultative Expert Working Group, facilitated by the Secretariat and observed by Member States’ representatives, identified four of the 7 + 1 projects shortlisted through the Global Technical Consultative Meeting of Experts held on 3 – 4 December 2013 as meeting the criteria set for “demonstration projects” and as being ready to move immediately towards implementation.