The World Health Organization and the protection of intellectual property
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Geneva. It is the UN's coordinating authority on international public health.
What tasks does the IPI perform within the WHO?
- We are actively involved in discussions on public health and on protecting intellectual property, e.g. for improved access to drugs
- We are committed to ensuring intellectual property has a good reputation as an incentive, in particular in relation to the development and therefore the availability of new drugs
- We advise the Swiss delegation, which is led by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
- We also play an active role in negotiating the relevant resolutions
Where can I find out about current discussions within the WHO?
- Official documents (agenda, reports and resolutions and decisions) of the World Health Assemblies and WHO Executive Board sessions.
- IP and health ; general information on the work of the IPI.