Public Procurement: A Vital Lever for Global Health, Experts Highlight at WHO-WIPO-WTO Webinar
Geneva – July 3, 2025 – Public procurement, the process by which governments acquire goods and services, emerged as a pivotal tool in addressing pressing global health challenges during a recent webinar jointly hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The insightful session, held on July 3, 2025, underscored the significant role procurement strategies can play in ensuring equitable access to essential medicines, medical technologies, and vital health services worldwide.
The webinar brought together a distinguished panel of experts from international organizations, academia, and national governments to delve into the intricate relationship between public procurement, intellectual property considerations, and international trade rules in the context of public health. Discussions highlighted the critical need for robust and strategic procurement mechanisms to effectively respond to health emergencies, combat non-communicable diseases, and strengthen healthcare systems, particularly in developing and least developed countries.
A key takeaway from the event was the recognition that public procurement is far more than a simple transaction; it is a powerful policy instrument that can be leveraged to achieve broader public health objectives. Speakers emphasized that well-designed procurement processes can drive innovation, foster competition, and ensure the cost-effectiveness of health-related purchases. This, in turn, can lead to greater value for money for public health budgets and, ultimately, improved health outcomes for populations.
The discussion also illuminated the complex interplay between intellectual property rights and public health. Experts acknowledged the importance of respecting intellectual property protection while simultaneously ensuring that such frameworks do not unduly hinder access to essential medicines and technologies. The webinar provided a platform to explore flexibilities and mechanisms within international trade agreements that can support public health goals, such as those related to the TRIPS Agreement and public health.
Furthermore, the session provided valuable insights into best practices in public health procurement, including the importance of transparency, accountability, and good governance. Participants shared experiences and strategies for building capacity in procurement management, developing national procurement policies, and fostering collaboration among different stakeholders. The need for greater coordination between health ministries, procurement agencies, and intellectual property offices was also a recurring theme.
The webinar served as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange and for fostering a deeper understanding of how these three international organizations can collectively support member states in utilizing public procurement to advance global health agendas. The discussions highlighted the ongoing commitment of WHO, WIPO, and WTO to working collaboratively to create an environment where health is prioritized, and where equitable access to health products and services is a reality for all.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions and reiterated their dedication to facilitating further dialogue and cooperation on this vital issue. The insights shared during the webinar are expected to inform ongoing efforts to strengthen global health security and promote sustainable development through effective and equitable public procurement practices.
Public procurement as key tool to tackle health issues discussed at WHO-WIPO-WTO webinar
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