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Communiqué de presse
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Comunicado de
Health Professionals Call for More Research and Development
of Medicines and Vaccines and the Optimization
of Pharmacotherapy
Geneva, Switzerland, 12 July 2004 − An urgent plea to all national governments and health
professionals, to focus more attention and resources on research and development of
medicines and vaccines for diseases where there are insufficient treatment options, has been
issued by the world’s medical, nursing, and pharmacy leaders. They also spoke out against
other anomalies in pharmacotherapy, such as the overuse of antibiotics, which has led to an
increase in antimicrobial resistance. With more research, these threats to patients can be
managed more effectively.
The plea was in response to the similar strategic objectives outlined in the Presidential theme
for the upcoming Dutch Presidency of the European Union (July to December 2004). The
Dutch government has suggested several measures to improve medicines, vaccines and
biologicals (processed body materials) for the citizens of Europe:
 more research to enable the development of new medicines for diseases for which
there is either insufficient or ineffective treatment
 improved pharmacotherapy for specific patient groups, such as children, elderly
patients and pregnant or breast-feeding women
 research and development on the forms of dosage that are better suited to the
needs of these specific patient groups
The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA), speaking for more than 20 million health
professionals worldwide, came out strongly in support of this endeavour. Delon Human,
Secretary General of the World Medical Association, stated: “This is an example of
outstanding leadership. Although this program will be focused on the needs of European
citizens, patients in other parts of the world will no doubt benefit as well. We are
particularly pleased that the Dutch Presidency has indicated that they will try to identify
research needs which are also relevant to developing countries. Fragmentation of research
effort and resources lead to significant inefficiencies, and this consultative approach will
ensure that the existing gaps in the pharmacotherapy map be filled.”
Ton Hoek, General Secretary of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) remarked:
“At present, medicines are probably developed more on the basis of market considerations
than in response to public health needs. Despite the medical advances in recent years, there
are still many diseases for which no licensed treatment is available. Although some
governments have Orphan Drug Regulations in place, a renewed focus on Priority Medicine
is essential for obtaining effective treatments for neglected diseases. We applaud the Dutch
government for this effort.”
Judith Oulton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses also complimented the theme of
the EU Presidency later this year: “The ICN has always supported more research and
development for medicines and vaccines and especially for specific patient groups such as
children, the elderly and pregnant or breast-feeding women. Medicines are needed to
prevent and treat diseases specific to these groups, and every effort should be made to
ensure that these drugs are safe, effective and taken in the right dosage”.
The medical, nursing and pharmacy leaders plan to participate in an important conference
on this issue later this year and have pledged their support to help ensure the success of the
project.
The World Health Professions Alliance brings together medicine, nursing and pharmacy through their
representative international organisations, International Council of Nurses (ICN), International
Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the World Medical Association (WMA) and represents more
than 20 million health professionals worldwide.
Editor’s Note:
 The World Medical Association (WMA) is a global federation of national medical
associations, representing the millions of physicians worldwide. Acting on behalf of
physicians and patients, the WMA endeavours to achieve the highest possible
standards of medical science, education, ethics and health care for all people.
 The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of 125 national nurses'
associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses for
nurses since 1899, ICN is the international voice of nursing and works to ensure
quality care for all and sound health policies globally.
 The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the worldwide federation of
national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. Pharmacists are
healthcare professionals dedicated to improving access to and the value of
appropriate medicine use.
For further information contact Linda Carrier-Walker
Tel : +41 22 908 0100; fax: +41 22 908 0101;
Email: carrwalk@icn.ch; Web site http://www.icn.ch/
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