Health industry should not lead the setting of priorities for the future Innovative Health Initiative

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Following the preparation of the next public-private partnership – Innovative Health Initiative – health policy organisations decided to write to the Health and Research and Innovation Commissioners expressing concerns about over-influence by private partners over setting strategic priorities for the future partnership.

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  • EU Policy
September 20, 2021

Following the preparation of the next public-private partnership – Innovative Health Initiative – health policy organisations decided to write to the Health and Research and Innovation Commissioners expressing concerns about over-influence by private partners over setting strategic priorities for the future partnership.

As highlighted in the letter published today, the health industry is taking a lead on priority setting by dominating the development of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda – a document that will serve as a road for public spendings. This risks further tilting the balance away from public health and public interest needs.

The evaluations of the previous health research partnerships, Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI and IMI2) pinpointed stakeholders’ concerns about the lack of inclusiveness and transparency in the selection of research priorities and governance structures. The dominance of large groups of influence representing the health industry remains a serious problem. The evaluations warned that scientific advisory groups did not have a significant influence on shaping the strategic agenda and directions of the partnership.

Signatories urge the European Commission to address these issues by:

  • focusing on public health priorities and societal needs;
  • allowing independent science to guide decision making process;
  • responsible and equitable planning and measuring of public health and societal impact
  • using public funding as a leverage to ensure accessibility and affordability of end products;
  • attaching strings to the use of public funding as a leverage to guarantee accessibility and affordability of end products and open access to data and know-how;
  • ensuring it is fully transparent and equipped with strong public governance and accountability mechanisms.

Signatories:

  1. Global Health Advocates
  2. Aurora Universities Network
  3. AIDS Action Europe
  4. Asociación por un Acceso Justo al Medicamento (AAJM)
  5. Médecins du Monde
  6. Treatment Action Group
  7. Sciences Citoyennes
  8. Salud por Derecho
  9. Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW)
  10. Health Action International
  11. Prescrire
  12. NoGracias
  13. Universities Allied for Essential Medicines
  14. European AIDS Treatment Group

Source : Global Health Advocates

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