Regulatory strengthening, convergence and cooperation for medicines and health workforce (Resolution)

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ R E S O L U T I O N REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC COMITE RÉGIONAL DU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL WPR/RC68.R7 12 October 2017 REGULATORY STRENGTHENING, CONVERGENCE AND COOPERATION FOR MEDICINES AND THE HEALTH WORKFORCE The Regional Committee, Recalling the Western Pacific regional action framework, Universal Health Coverage: Moving Towards Better Health, that emphasizes quality as a key attribute of a good performing health system which in turn depends on strong national regulatory systems for medicines and the health workforce; Recognizing the regulatory challenges faced by Member States in the context of the rapid introduction of therapeutic products, the increasing demand for health services, the use of traditional medicine products and services, and the movement of medicines and health workers across borders; Recognizing also that regulatory cooperation and convergence facilitate setting standards, developing legal frameworks, and sharing best practices and information, thereby supporting Member State efforts to strengthen national regulatory systems; .../ WPR/RC68.R7 page 2 Noting that regulatory cooperation and convergence allow Member States to address public health issues that transcend borders, such as health emergencies, falsified and substandard products, and antimicrobial resistance; Noting also that regional integration presents an opportunity for regulatory cooperation and convergence; Having reviewed the draft Western Pacific Regional Action Agenda on Regulatory Strengthening, Convergence and Cooperation for Medicines and the Health Workforce, 1. ENDORSES the Western Pacific Regional Action Agenda on Regulatory Strengthening, Convergence and Cooperation for Medicines and the Health Workforce; 2. URGES Member States: (1) to use the Regional Action Agenda to guide the development of legal frameworks, policies, strategies and plans for regulatory strengthening; (2) to develop and strengthen capacity of the regulatory workforce and engage relevant stakeholders to monitor the impact and effectiveness of national regulatory systems for medicines and the health workforce; (3) to participate in regional convergence and cooperation initiatives to collectively strengthen the regulatory capacity of the Region and address public health issues; (4) to share information on progress in implementing the Regional Action Agenda; .../ WPR/RC68.R7 page 3 3. REQUESTS the Regional Director: (1) to continue to support Member States to strengthen national regulatory systems and implement the Western Pacific Regional Action Agenda on Regulatory Strengthening, Convergence and Cooperation for Medicines and the Health Workforce; (2) to facilitate coordination among networks in the Region to enhance Member State participation and strengthen national regulatory systems; (3) to facilitate discussion with Member States on the development of regulatory systems for traditional medicine and, where appropriate, integration into health-care systems; (4) to report periodically on progress in implementing the Regional Action Agenda. Seventh meeting, 12 October 2017