In 2015 the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations stipulated that certain forms of subsidies that the fishing sector receive must be prohibited. However, the global fishing sector is complex and varied, and as such there remains a need for information on the distribution of subsidies between the different regions and their sub-sectors. This bottom-up study therefore provides up-dated and improved analyses of the financial support fishing sub-sectors receive from public entities. Estimates show that of the USD 35.4 billion of global fisheries subsidies provided in 2018, 19% went to the small-scale fishing sub-sector (SSF), including artisanal, and subsistence fisheries. Whilst more than 80% went to the large-scale (industrial) fishing sub-sector (LSF). Analysis by subsidy category and type shows, for example, that the majority of the subsidies that the LSF receive are in the form of capacity-enhancing subsidies (USD 18.3 billion) with fuel subsidies being the highest overall subsidy type (USD 7.2 billion). Fuel subsidies are especially harmful as they perpetuate fuel inefficient technology.
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Third World Network is pleased to announce the release of an important new report on how the trade rules being proposed in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other free trade agreements would impede the ability of governments from the Global South to tax the digitalised economy.
The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize partnership to attain health related goals and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Although World Health Organization (WHO)’s Member States have adopted the SDG agenda, they will not be able to achieve these goals through public sector service delivery alone. The private health sector has evolved to be a prominent provider of health service delivery across regions and different wealth quintiles. Innovations are thriving in the private health sector and call for a new approach to governing health systems so as to ensure that both the public and private sector can contribute.
The WHO’s Expert Committee on Biological Standardisation (ECBS) has declined a request to revise its 2009 Guidelines for the Evaluation of Similar Biotherapeutic Products (WHO Guidelines), which set the requirements for the generic version of biotherapeutics known as “biosimilars”.
The WHO Secretariat then decided to evaluate the scientific evidence to support the revision of WHO Guidelines. The procedural holes in the ECBS decision might be the reason behind WHO’s decision to review the scientific evidence.
During its 70th meeting on 21-25 October 2019 the ECBS – which includes a panel of experts with proficiency in developing norms and standards related to vaccines, blood products, and biotherapeutics – considered a request initiated by a group of scientists and civil society organisations (CSO) to revise the WHO Guidelines on biosimilars.
This paper reviews contemporary policy debates regarding priority setting for universal health coverage (UHC) in the context of instabilities in the global economy and the neoliberal program for managing those instabilities.
PHM recognises the importance of universal health coverage (UHC) although our endorsement is qualified because of the diversity of interpretations of UHC circulating, some of which, such as the World Bank’s multi-payer, stratified access, mixed delivery model, PHM does not support.
PHM endorses the need for equity and efficiency in the allocation of resources for health care and population health programmes including in the implementation of UHC. Health system design (funding and delivery configuration) is the major determinant of equity and efficiency in resource allocation and health care delivery. More specific approaches, discussed below, include: first, the use of ‘defined benefit packages’ in insurance dominated systems; and second, the methods and mechanisms through which equitable and efficient resource allocation can be promoted in tax-funded, public delivery systems.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the fight against mpox – previously known as monkeypox – is entering a new phase.
While many are anxious to contain the outbreak – the largest mpox outbreak ever recorded in the DRC with more than 4,500 cases so far this year – experts say that's not yet possible: There are no vaccines or treatments in the country right now, and even the testing capacity is severely limited. Instead, this new phase of the mpox fight involves simply getting a better understanding of what exactly is going on.
"We've been doing a lot of groundwork and building support and trying to strengthen things. And now, I hope, we're at a pivot point," says Dr. Jennifer McQuiston of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Over the next three weeks, we expect to learn a lot about what's happening on the ground."
This note reviews decision making in and around the WHO with a focus on the debates around ‘counterfeit’ medicines and the relationships between IP and affordability, quality, safety and efficacy. It covers the period 2003 - 2013.
In this edition, we bring you an update on the drafting group meeting of the intergovernmental negotiating body that met this week in Geneva. (Do note that this story was updated on June 17 to capture the proceedings from the final session.)
Also, find below, a short update from the WTO on the extension of the TRIPS decision to COVID-19 tests and treatments.
Official page of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response
Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.
Every country has a different path to achieving UHC and deciding what to cover based on the needs of their people and the resources at hand. However, the importance of access to health services and information as a basic human right is universal.
To make health for all a reality, all people must have access to high quality services for their health and the health of their families and communities. To do so, skilled health workers providing quality, people-centred care; and policy-makers committed to investing in universal health coverage are essential.
Universal health coverage requires strong, people-centred primary health care. Good health systems are rooted in the communities they serve. They focus not only on preventing and treating disease and illness, but also on helping to improve well-being and quality of life.