EU Joins Global Coalition on Neglected Diseases

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission has signed an agreement to join the Global Coalition on neglected diseases, strengthening local and regional production and promoting more equitable access to safe, affordable, quality, and effective health products and technologies for neglected diseases. The Coalition, a flagship initiative of the Brazilian G20 Presidency, aims to address the equity gap in access to medical countermeasures across the world, particularly in preventing and controlling neglected diseases that affect over 1 billion people worldwide, including 500 million children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU has joined the Global Coalition on neglected diseases, aiming to strengthen local and regional production and promote equitable access to health products and technologies.
  • The Coalition will include participating G20 members and non-G20 countries, as well as relevant international organizations, and will operate in accordance with international law and domestic legislation.
  • The initiative is expected to address gaps in prevention and control of neglected diseases, such as zika, dengue, and chikungunya, which disproportionately affect impoverished communities.
  • The EU has congratulated Brazil on its leadership in this initiative, emphasizing the importance of building global health resilience and tackling health inequalities through multilateralism and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • The EU's participation in the Coalition marks its commitment to investing in global health and building mutually beneficial public and private partnerships through the Global Gateway strategy.

Statistics:

  • Over 1 billion people worldwide are affected by neglected diseases.
  • 500 million children are disproportionately affected by neglected diseases.
  • The Global Coalition on neglected diseases aims to promote equitable access to safe, affordable, quality, and effective health products and technologies.
  • The Coalition will operate in accordance with international law and domestic legislation, including on intellectual property.

Sources:

  • "Commission signs agreement to join Global Coalition on neglected diseases" (DG-COMP news release).
  • Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for equality, preparation and crisis management.
  • Jozef Sikela, Commissioner for international partnerships.
  • "G20 Leaders Statement on the Future of Health" (G20 Rio Summit, November 18-19, 2024).
  • "G20 Health Ministers Meeting Statement" (G20 Health Ministers, October 31, 2024).