On the side-lines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, the Permanent Mission of France and the Medicines Patent Pool, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, hosted a parallel event on ’Aligning the Global Health Architecture for Equitable Access to Health Commodities’.
H.E Mme Céline Jurgensen, Ambassador, Permanent Representation of France to the United Nations Office in Geneva and international organisations in Switzerland, hosted this event on Monday 18 May 2026, offering two high-level panels and discussions.
Participants explored the critical role of local and regional production of vaccines and therapeutics in responding to health emergencies. This dialogue brought together perspectives from across the global health ecosystem to examine where greater alignment is needed, and to highlight practical, cost-effective mechanisms that are already delivering results and can be scaled to support equitable access and health security in low- and middle-income countries.
Recording of the panel discussions:
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France’s Ambassador for Global Health: Anne-Claire Amprou
Video message
Director General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Ghebreyesus
High-level conversation 1: From R&D to Access – Aligning the Global Health Ecosystem
At a time of constrained global health financing and ongoing reform discussions, how can we promote better alignment in the global health ecosystem to ensure innovation translates into equitable access?
Aurélia Nguyen, Deputy CEO, CEPI
Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health, Senegal
Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General, HERA (European Commission)
Cathrine Lofthus, Director General of Health, Norway
Blanca Yáñez, Deputy Director for Multilateral and EU, Spain
Mosoka Papa Fallah, Acting Director of the Science and Innovation Directorate, Africa CDC
High-level conversation 2: Effective Mechanisms for Access and Pandemic Preparedness
In the context of ongoing WHA discussions on health security, which mechanisms are already working to deliver equitable access, and what do they tell us about cost-effective approaches for preparedness and response?
Sania Nishtar, CEO, GAVI
Marie-Paule Kieny, Chair of MPP Board
Thomas Schinecker, CEO, Roche
Philippe Duneton, Executive Director, Unitaid
Petro Terblanche, CEO, Afrigen
Aggrey Aluso, Director, Resilience Action Network Africa
Peter Sands, Executive Director, The Global Fund
Deus Mubangizi, WHO’s Director of the Health Products Policy and Standards Department
Media Contacts:
For more information www.mrnaprogramme.org
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About the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme was launched in 2021 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to address the need for equitable access to mRNA vaccine technology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative aims to build mRNA manufacturing capacity in LMICs, empowering them to produce mRNA vaccines locally and ensuring rapid response capabilities in the event of future pandemics. By fostering collaboration among a global network of partners, the Programme advances research and development, supports the establishment of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facilities, and enables LMICs to achieve self-sustaining vaccine production. Funders of the Programme until 2026, include: Belgium, Canada, the European Commission, France, Germany, Norway, the Government of South Africa, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and the ELMA Foundation.
About WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting global health and well-being. Founded in 1948, WHO leads efforts to combat infectious diseases, address health emergencies, and promote universal health coverage worldwide. Through its partnerships, policymaking, and capacity-building initiatives, WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses and supporting countries in achieving equitable access to healthcare. In the context of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, the WHO provides strategic guidance and technical support to facilitate vaccine access and preparedness in LMICs.
About Afrigen Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing vaccine and biological production in Africa. As a key partner in the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, Afrigen has spearheaded efforts to develop and manufacture Africa’s first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, AfriVac 2021. With a mission to foster health innovation and capacity-building in the Global South, Afrigen leads in R&D, technology transfer, and training, playing an essential role in building a self-sufficient, resilient biomanufacturing network for Africa.
About the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) MPP is a United Nations-backed public health organisation focused on improving access to life-saving medicines in LMICs. Established in 2010 by Unitaid, MPP works with partners to license essential medicines and health technologies, fostering innovation and affordability in the areas of HIV, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases and COVID-19. MPP’s role in the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme includes coordinating with manufacturers, ensuring sustainable R&D practices, and facilitating technology sharing to accelerate mRNA vaccine production across LMICs.
Press and Media
The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of innovative medicines and other health technologies for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders to prioritise and license needed health products and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations.
To date, MPP has signed agreements with 23 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, one antiviral treatment for influenza, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies.
MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP’s main funder. MPP’s work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government of Canada and Coeffient Giving. MPP’s activities in technology transfer are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation, the Government of Flanders and SDC.