Promoting global health: utilizing WHO to integrate public health, innovation and intellectual property

The appropriate role of innovation and intellectual property (IP) in global public health is a controversial issue. Discussion is one-sided, with potential benefits advocated by industry in stark contrast to condemnation by certain civil society players. WHO's Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property Department (PHI) was established to address healthcare resource need for developing countries, assess impact of innovation and IP on access to medicines, explore innovative funding mechanisms for R&D and provide evidence-based policy-making recommendations in response to the changing global health landscape. Importantly, PHI could represent a potential forum to bridge shared, yet often diverse, interests and opportunities between various public and private stakeholders, a crucial issue for ensuring the future viability of WHO.

► Intellectual property rights are a crucial factor in the globalization of global health.
► Many IPR management systems have been explored but lack global governance.
► WHO is actively engaged in intellectual property and global health issues.
► Further coordination is necessary to leverage partnerships and resources for innovation in health.
► WHO's Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property Division can facilitate governance.