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IFPMA - International Federation of Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers & Associations

02/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/04/2026 07:08

158th session of the WHO Executive Board (EB158): Harmonization of regulatory approaches, governance, and standards for data, digital health, and artificial intelligence in the[...]

On 4 February 2026, IFPMA delivered a statement on Agenda item 15 on harmonization of regulatory approaches, governance, and standards for data, digital health, and artificial intelligence in the health sector at the 158th session of the WHO Executive Board in Geneva.

Noting the work carried out by several multilateral institutions on digital health transformation, AI, and data governance, and the first WHO global strategy on digital health, we believe AI has the potential to benefit all stages of R&D while public health surveillance and patient outcomes can be further strengthened by AI-enhanced insights. Ensuring patient trust and the innovative, ethical, and secure use of AI is paramount.

We strongly believe the complexity of this topic will necessitate a meaningfully collaborative and complementary approach, which is not duplicative of other multilateral institutions and organizations. Different stakeholders, including the innovative pharmaceutical industry, should be consulted on work related to data, digital health, and AI. As work on the development of the 2028-2033 WHO strategy begins, we look forward to constructively contributing our unique expertise to this process.

About IFPMA

IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.

To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.

ifpma.org

Media Contact

Elliot Dunster [email protected]
IFPMA - International Federation of Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers & Associations published this content on February 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 04, 2026 at 13:08 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]