76th WHO Regional Committee for Europe: Matters arising from Resolutions and Decisions of the World Health Assembly

On 28 October 2026, IFPMA submitted a statement on the global health architecture at the 76th WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Copenhagen.

IFPMA welcomes the discussion on global health architecture reform and emphasizes the need for an architecture that fosters innovation, strengthens health systems, and forges partnerships that advance health globally.

Reform should help countries deliver national health priorities and advance universal health coverage, while reducing duplication and protecting essential functions.

First, reform should foster innovation. Access must be considered from the outset of product development and implementation. Predictable policy and regulatory frameworks, strong intellectual property systems, regulatory reliance, and open trade support innovation and sustainable supply. Public and philanthropic investments in product development should be matched by early planning for regulatory pathways, procurement, financing, and country readiness. Greater predictability in demand can also support long-term manufacturing investment and supply security.

Second, reform should strengthen health systems. International support should align with national health plans, budgets, and procurement strategies. Simpler application and reporting requirements can reduce administrative burden and support healthcare delivery, including primary healthcare and the prevention and long-term management of non-communicable diseases. Sustainable domestic financing remains essential to maintaining services and ensuring successful transitions from external support, particularly for middle-income countries.

Third, reform should forge stronger partnerships. WHO's central normative role, including technical guidance, standards, surveillance, and emergency coordination, should be preserved. Clear roles and responsibilities across institutions can improve coherence and accountability. Early and structured engagement with industry can bring scientific, regulatory, manufacturing, supply, and implementation expertise into planning, while preserving Member State authority over public priorities and decisions.

As the global trade body representing the innovative pharmaceutical industry, IFPMA remains ready to contribute its expertise to global health architecture reform.