4th Consultative Stakeholder Meeting for UN Prequalification of Diagnostics, Medicines and Vaccines
The 4th Consultative Stakeholder Meeting for UN Prequalification of Diagnostics, Medicines and Vaccines was held in Geneva on 3 February 2009. The meeting was coordinated by the Department of Essential Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policies, the Department of Essential Health Technologies and the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan opened the meeting, underscoring WHO's commitment to prequalification; the importance of the programme for achieving UN goals and the value of the programme to the UN family.
The meeting aimed to: inform and update stakeholders about programme activities; review the programmes' vision and future role; and obtain input and constructive feedback from stakeholders to improve programme effectiveness and future plans.
In the morning session of the meeting the three prequalification programmes reported on progress made in 2008 and presented their plans for the coming years. In the afternoon session, selected stakeholders presented their reflections on prequalification status as of today and on future needs and expectations. The presentations, followed by discussion and active contribution from the meeting participants, represented a highlight of the event.
The broad range of participants who attended the meeting demonstrates the widespread support for the principle of prequalification as embodied by WHO.
"With programmes such as this one, public health shows that it can indeed achieve greater efficiency without sacrificing quality."
Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, opening remarks