Celebrating success of ethical collaboration framework

The first anniversary of the Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration, between patients' organizations, healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry, was marked on the fringes of the 135th WHO Executive Board meeting on 26 January 2015.

The celebratory event showcased the value and impact of the Framework at national levels. The event shared examples of progress in countries such as Belarus and Canada. In Belarus, eight different organizations, including the Belarusian Doctors’ Association and the Association of International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, signed a version of the Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration. 

The signatories of the Framework noted that the official Endorsement Guidelines were established to allow other organizations to engage in this important initiative. These national examples showed the impact and success of the Framework in the past year.

Framework Signatories include the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO), International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the World Medical Association (WMA).  

Growing endorsements

During the event, the International Hospital Federation (IHF) and the International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance (IGPA) publicly endorsed the Consensus Framework. This demonstrated growing support for shared ethical principles at an international level too, from healthcare and medicines providers, and a commitment to upholding high ethical standards worldwide when delivering solutions to address patients’ needs.

Multi-stakeholder approach is essential

The event was attended by the Geneva diplomatic and health policy community and included high-level speakers from IAPO, International Council of Nurses, International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance, International Hospital Federation, International Pharmaceutical Federation, World Health Organization and the World Medical Association. 

The event concluded that a multi-stakeholder approach is essential in ensuring appropriate and ethical collaboration for the benefit of patients worldwide. To achieve this, ongoing efforts by all parties involved is needed to ensure practical impact on the ground where patient engagement is fundamental.

Contributed by Tamara Music, Senior Manager, Innovation Policy, Ethics and Compliance, IFPMA​