High-level event on enhancing access to essential medicines - Meeting Report

This event gathered over 30 senior leaders from pharmaceutical companies and the investment community, creating an open forum under the Chatham House Rule for collaborative discussions. Participants included healthcare manufacturers, investors, and key industry leaders, all focusing on closing the access gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Event takeaways

Key insights captured in the report outline actionable steps for stakeholders:

• Embedding access in operations: Companies and investors can drive equitable access by embedding access and equity considerations into their core strategies, backed by transparent impact reporting.

• Viewing health as an investment: Participants highlighted the need to reframe healthcare as an investment, not just a cost, as part of fostering resilient, inclusive health systems in LMICs.

• Boosting investment and incentives: Calls were made for increased investment in R&D for LMICs, along with targeted incentives to address underserved areas, including rare diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

• Customising strategies: Tailored, country-specific strategies were emphasised, encouraging companies to consider questions like which populations are underserved and how to scale solutions sustainably.

• Harnessing internal support for access efforts: Engaging employees across all levels is crucial for driving access commitments, particularly by fostering grassroots enthusiasm among junior employees who prioritise social impact.

• Strengthening public-private partnerships: Collaborative initiatives between governments, NGOs, and industry are essential to advance equitable access, particularly in leveraging generics to meet healthcare demands.

• Aligning with government priorities: Investors were advised to focus on sectors where government engagement is strong, recognising the role of public policy in shaping impactful healthcare markets.

• Innovating and adapting: Emphasis was placed on innovation, including telemedicine and mobile health, as critical tools for overcoming access barriers in LMICs.

These recommendations, along with further details on collaboration, resilience, and sustainable policy alignment, provide a roadmap for companies and investors committed to improving healthcare equity. For an in-depth look at these discussions, download the full meeting report.