Neljas erakorraline WHOtäitevkogu 13. üld-tööprogrammi mustandi teemal
Intervention by ESTONIA
Agenda item 3.3: Strategic Shifts
Genf,23 november 2017
Honorablechairperson,
Estoniawould like to welcome the Strategic Shifts proposed, and in particular, thefocus on global public goods. We agree on the division of these public goodsinto normative guidance, data and innovation. In this regard, we appreciate theDirector-General’s reassurances that WHO shall remain primarily a normative andstandard-setting organization.
Broadly,we also agree on WHO’s proposed activities on data, which is, after all, thecornerstone of maximizing impact and evidence based policy making.Respectfully, however, we have slightly disparate views on who has the comparative advantage when it comes to strengtheningdata systems.
Webelieve that WHO has an important role to play in this regard, but in so doing,it would benefit immensely from the expertise and work of others. Several MemberStates as well as other organizations have extensive experience frommodernizing their data systems, and it would be a missed opportunity if WHO werenot to learn from their example and use the work already done. This need to useexisting data and work more closely with others is something that we would liketo see better articulated in this section of the General Programme of Work.
Peoplearound the world have adopted digital technologies; governments as well asinternational organizations have to keep up or risk becoming irrelevant. E-healthin particular provides unique benefits for both collecting and analyzing dataas well as improving health system efficacy and patient involvement. In itswork on improving data gathering, WHO should collaborate with and learn fromexperts in e-Health, especially with regard to what works and what does not. Alot of the potential provided by e-health comes from setting common standardsin a manner, which promotes interoperability. This is where WHO’s comparativeadvantage is greatest.
Finally,we commend the focus on innovation, being particularly mindful of the challengesMember States face regarding medicines and access to them. We welcome furthercooperation with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) andthe G20 Global Collaboration Fund, but would like to see a clearer reference tothe recommendations of the Consultative Expert Working Group on Research &Development, which to this day has not been fully acted upon. A clear strategicapproach to health innovation is needed so that affordable new medicinesincluding vaccines, antibiotics, and drugs for neglected diseases may bedeveloped.
Thankyou.