Evaluation Starts On WHO Global Strategy For Public Health, Innovation, IPRs29/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentThis morning, World Health Organization Executive Board members took note of a report by the WHO secretariat on the evaluation of the organisation’s global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property. An inception report by the evaluation team was provided to the WHO in December, which has not been shared to the member states, according to the secretariat, although its results are expected to be presented to them in March. In the meantime, key points have been provided.
WHO Discusses Polio, Hepatitis C, Vaccines, Affordability29/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentThe World Health Organization Executive Board this week noted a number of reports on communicable diseases, such as poliomyelitis, and vaccines. Developing countries underlined the affordability and accessibility of treatments. The board also agreed on the setting up of an open-ended intergovernmental meeting to come to agreement on the organisation’s governance reform.
WHO Members Commit To SDGs For 2030, Despite Some Differences29/01/2016 by Jahan Harry Taubman-Rezakhanlou for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentDuring the Executive Board meeting at the World Health Organization this week, member states agreed on committing to the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The consensus reached by member states was that direct health development goals such as the continuous effort to rid the world of malaria, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C are at the forefront of pressing issues. But goals for health and those for related issues should be worked on together as they are mutually beneficial, they said.
Internet Policy Task Force Seeks Changes To US Copyright Statutory Damages Law28/01/2016 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentThe United States Copyright Act should be amended in a “very careful” way to change the way statutory damages are awarded to successful copyright owners against infringing individuals and online services, Shira Perlmutter, US Patent and Trademark Office chief policy officer and international affairs director, said today. She and John Morris, National Telecommunications and Information Administration associate administrator and internet policy director, unveiled a white paper by the Department of Commerce Internet Policy Task Force (IPTF) which, while proposing legislative changes to the damages provisions, also said no amendments are needed to the measure’s remix and “first sale” clauses.
Study, Panel Stimulate Thinking About Public-Private Partnerships28/01/2016 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentA new study released this week in Geneva provides insights into public-private partnerships (PPPs) with a special focus on China and India, while a panel of health experts discussing the report highlighted the importance of such partnerships.
WHO Must Reform Emergency Response, Adopt Unified Mechanism, Advisory Group Says28/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentA report by an advisory group tasked with helping with the reform of the World Health Organization’s response to outbreaks and emergency situations calls for a unified response from all geographical levels of the organisation. The recommendations raised concern from some, but the WHO director general said she sees consensus.
WHO Board Debates Framework On Engagement With Non-State Actors27/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentThe World Health Organization routinely works with a number of outside actors, such as non-governmental groups, philanthropic organisations, industry and academics. Member states have been trying to establish a framework to regulate such engagement and are still working to produce a consensus document. This week they are trying to extend the mandate of an intergovernmental meeting in the hope that an ultimate meeting in April can solve remaining issues.
FAO Head Says Livestock Diversity Is Crucial For Future Food Security On A Harsher Planet27/01/2016 by Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentFAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva writes: Our livestock is increasingly being raised indoors and fed on concentrate feed that is often imported. Intensive production of chickens, pigs and dairy cows is based on a few breeds worldwide. These developments are risky, as we and future generations are losing the potential to adapt livestock production systems to increasingly harsh conditions such as those associated with higher temperatures and shortages of nutritious feeds.
WHO To Study Effect Of Nagoya Protocol On Sharing Of Genetic Materials26/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentThe implementation of a protocol ensuring access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable benefit-sharing of commercial benefits might affect the sharing of pathogens samples between countries, said the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, who asked the World Health Organization to study possible implications of the protocol’s implementation.
Record Attendance, Agenda Open WHO Board Meeting; Global Vision On Infectious Disease25/01/2016 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentResponse to diseases outbreaks must be changed at the World Health Organization, Director General Margaret Chan told the opening of the Executive Board meeting today. She also called for universal health coverage and the implementation of the international health regulation, and for action in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
