Today, over 80 in-person and remote participants from 9 countries in the Western Pacific Region came together for the Holistic Training Workshop on Key Enablers for Sustainable Local Production of Health Products in the Western Pacific Region in Kuala Lumpur. This critical event focuses on enhancing access to quality health products in the region through conducive ecosystems for local production and technology transfer. Recognizing the strategic importance of local production, the workshop aims to harness collective expertise and experience to foster sustainable health solutions. It will serve as an operative platform for stakeholders to exchange and discuss insights, build capacity and promote sustainable quality local production that meets the region's health needs effectively.
Opened by the WHO Regional Director of the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala remarked on the need for a robust pharmaceutical ecosystem for successful local production, underpinned by good manufacturing practices, a regulatory framework, a skilled workforce and strong political will with inter-ministerial leadership.
Dr Jicui Dong, Unit Head of the Local Production and Assistance (LPA) Unit, WHO, welcomed participants, stating that “Building a conducive ecosystem is critical for sustainable local production of quality-assured, safe, effective and affordable health products. Policy coherence among ministries is key for local production to achieve both public health benefits and a knowledge-based economy.”
This 3-day workshop is designed for participants to gain further understanding of various enablers to foster sustainability of local production and technology transfer, such as policy coherence, R&D and innovation, technology transfer, and developing strong business cases. A flagship programme of the Local Production and Assistance Unit, this workshop represents a unique opportunity for key stakeholders to come together, learn from one another, and contribute to a shared goal of enhancing health security and access through conducive ecosystems and sustainable local production. The collective efforts and insights gained during this event are expected to lead to practical strategies and innovative solutions that will significantly impact the health landscape in the Western Pacific Region.
This holistic training workshop was co-organized by the LPA Unit and WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific with financial support from BMGF and Unitaid.
For further information and inquiries about LPA's activities and initiatives, please visit the LPA website and contact localproduction@who.int.
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director of the Western Pacific, delivering the opening speech at the Holistic Training Workshop.
Group photo of all in-person participants at the Holistic Training Workshop for the Western Pacific Region, co-organized by the LPA Unit and the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.