IDB discusses development of local pharmaceutical industry for generic drugs in developing countries

VIENNA, 24 November 2010 - The UNIDO project "“Strengthening the local production of essential generic drugs in developing countries,” was presented at a high-level side event during the Industrial Development Board (IDB) on 24 November, 2010.

The project, which benefits from Germany’s financial support, aims to help expand and upgrade small and medium enterprises in a number of developing and least developed countries, mainly in Africa and in Asia, to locally manufacture essential generic drugs.

The side event discussed how to better foster local pharmaceutical industry in developing countries, with special regard to essential generic drugs.

It opened with a high-level political debate on, inter alia, fostering local pharmaceutical industry, bridging public health and industrial development, and maintaining quality standards of generic drugs in developing countries. The debate will be followed by numerous contributions from private sector representatives from developed and developing countries.

The event also provided an outlook on possible future UNIDO activities to build local manufacturing capacities for pharmaceutical products, as well as on the Organization’s facilitating role in promoting access to medicines.

“Millions of people in Africa die each year from HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Many deaths could be prevented with timely access to appropriate and affordable medicines, “said UNIDO Director-General Kandeh K. Yumkella, while signing the cooperation agreement with Germany earlier this month.

As health is a very important prerequisite to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), further developing local manufacturing has the potential to positively impact the health outcomes in developing countries, as well as add to economic growth.

For more information please contact:
Juergen REINHARDT
Project Manager, PTC/PSD
Phone: +43-1-26026-3405
Fax: +43-1-26026-6864
E-mail: J.Reinhardt@unido.org