FIND statement at plenary session on the alliance for local and regional production, innovation and access during the 3rd G20 health working group meeting

Plenary session on the alliance for local and regional production, innovation and access

Delivered by Marta Fernandez Suarez, FIND, Chief Technology Officer
6 June 2024, Salvador, Brazil

Thank you, chair.

FIND is committed to supporting the Alliance to foster a sustainable redistribution of diagnostic innovation and manufacturing capacity for increased access to affordable and high-quality tests that meet local and regional needs, with the aim of complementing existing efforts towards achieving UHC, strengthening health security and fostering economic growth and self-reliance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, FIND in partnership with Unitaid, facilitated partnerships between local manufacturers and technology transfer partners to diversify the global manufacturing base for rapid diagnostic tests. Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, and in alignment with the proposed alliance, we continue to work with partners in Asia and Africa to strengthen financially sustainable capacity for diagnostic technology platforms that address the needs of vulnerable populations, and focus on neglected diseases, such as HIV, TB, schistosomiasis, and yellow fever.

Based on FIND’s experience and the lessons learnt, we recommend that the concrete alliance projects be evaluated on the inclusion of a cooperation plan that highlights the following factors as key elements for success:

• Provision of end-to-end technical assistance that complements financial support,
• Equitable and mutually agreed terms for the cooperation, including licensing and benefits sharing terms as well as clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders,
• A business plan that includes an appropriate, clinical, regulatory and commercial strategy as well as a balanced portfolio of products that address local needs while ensuring financial sustainability, and
• A phased, well-planned implementation approach to technology transfer or co-development and to capacity building

As suggested by Dr Jeremy Farrar, a systematic mapping exercise will be valuable in defining the priorities of the Alliance. It would be key for such a mapping initiative to focus on both supply and demand to identify existing gaps and help prioritize technology platforms, and target populations and markets.

The success of the collaborations fostered by the Alliance ultimately depends on the nature, purpose and implementation of the projects as well as on an enabling ecosystem. Therefore, in alignment with the systemic approach put forward by the Presidency, the G20 may support investments in regional workforce and infrastructure development, provide trade and tariff incentives, and support harmonized regulatory pathways and preferential procurement mechanisms.

Thank you.