The World Health Organization’s annual World Health Assembly takes place this week in Geneva, convening health ministers from 194 countries to deliberate on major global health policy issues. Helen Medina, USCIB’s vice president for product policy and innovation, attended the World Health Assembly representing the views of U.S. business.

USCIB has been monitoring and providing input into the WHO’s Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), a policy that will determine how the WHO interacts with non-state actors including businesses. USCIB recently submitted comments at a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Stakeholder Listening Session calling for clarity as the WHO implements its new framework.

USCIB argues that the proposed FENSA is too stringent, as it would limit the WHO’s ability to fully benefit from the private sector’s practical expertise, resources and research.

“Given the magnitude and breadth of global health challenges, we believe that all stakeholders including business should be involved in supporting the WHO’s policies,” said Medina.

USCIB called on U.S. negotiators headed to the World Health Assembly to push for a resolution that reflects the need for positive measures that invite and enable public-private partnerships to advance the WHO’s mission.

While in Geneva, Medina will be supporting USCIB members on the ground at the assembly, as well as attending side-events related to non-communicable diseases and intellectual property rights and innovation.