IFPMA paper shows pharma contribution to global health

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations has published a paper, documenting the various ways that the research-based industry contributes to the improvement of health worldwide, with particular reference to poor populations in developing countries. The report, titled Principal Focus and Actions of the Research-Based Pharmaceutical Industry in Contributing to Global Health, is available from the IFPMA web site at: www.ifpma.org/Issues/GlobalHealth.

Fred Hassan, the group's president as well as chief executive of Schering-Plough, commented: "in addition to its unique role as creator of innovative new medicines and vaccines, the R&D pharmaceutical industry also undertakes a wide range of other activities to help improve health in developing countries." He added: "while some voices are calling for us to do more, without necessarily knowing much about us or what we do, the Global Initiative To Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases announced recently by US President George W Bush explicitly refers to the major contribution the industry already makes in this area."

Mr Hassan explained that the paper published under the IFPMA's Focus and Action imprint, sets out what the drug industry believes can reasonably and sustainably be expected with regard to its contribution to improving global health. He invited governmental and other partners to provide feedback on the report.