WORLD LOCAL PRODUCTION FORUM
Enhancing access to medicines and other health technologies
The global healthcare landscape has faced challenges, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, exposing vulnerabilities in access to essential health products. In response, the World Health Assembly Resolution 74.6 called for the WHO to establish the World Local Production Forum (WLPF) to promote local production and technology transfer, aiming to strengthen access to health technologies globally.
The WLPF serves as a platform to enhance access to quality health products, support sustainable local production, and safeguard global health security. Each forum, in partnership with a host country, provides an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on advancing local production in line with global health priorities.
The first WLPF, held remotely in 2021, led to recommendations to strengthen local production capacities. The 2nd forum, in the Netherlands in 2023, focused on regional partnerships, policy challenges, and strategies to enhance production, highlighting the importance of collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and building sustainable production ecosystems. Key priorities included addressing information gaps, supportive policies, and eco-friendly production systems to meet growing demand.
Who we are.
World Local Production Forum (WLPF)
The World Local Production Forum (WLPF), a WHO initiative, brings together global leaders and stakeholders to foster sustainable local production and improve access to quality health products, strengthening health security worldwide.
What we do
We provide a global platform to address local production challenges, support technology transfer within the SDGs' Framework, promote sustainable production through North-South and South-South cooperation, and enhance access to safe health products for global health security.
Why have the WLPF
Through WHA Resolution 74.6, Member States urged WHO to create mechanisms for local production and technology transfer. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed global supply chain weaknesses, delaying access to health products. The WLPF addresses this by offering a platform for discussions on improving access and safeguarding health security.
The Organizer
The World Health Organization, supported by Member States and partners, is organizing the WLPF, with the Local Production and Assistance (LPA) Unit as its Secretariat. The LPA Unit helps strengthen local production and technology transfer to improve access to quality health products and enhance security.
More information on the Local Production & Assistance Unit.
Objectives of the WLPF
Accessibility
Address challenges in local production, technology transfer, and access to health products. simplify with one word.
Partnerships
Strengthen industry collaborations for technology transfer to LMICs.
Innovation
Identify priority health technologies for LMICs to tackle global inequities.
Solutions
Explore mechanisms for sustainable local production and technology transfer.
Training
Highlight key training areas for capacity building in local production.
Collaboration
Promote partnerships to enhance technology transfer.
Guidance
Offer actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
Other Resources
