WHO pushes for sustainability measures in pharma sector
The World Health Organization (WHO), through its Department of Regulation and Prequalification, has launched an initiative titled “Greener Pharmaceuticals’ Regulatory Highway” to address the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical sector. This initiative emphasizes the need for innovative regulatory practices to reduce the environmental footprint of medical products while ensuring their safety and efficacy.
“Addressing the environmental impact of healthcare products is no longer optional—it is imperative,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products.
Health systems, which contribute approximately 5% of global carbon emissions, must prioritize sustainability as climate change intensifies health risks worldwide. The WHO initiative urges global regulators and industry stakeholders to adopt practices that reduce environmental impact, including:
– Developing standards for sustainable manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of medical products.
– Using digital transformation to enhance regulatory efficiency, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
– Streamlining regulatory processes to encourage eco-friendly innovations.
“Health systems should lead by example in mitigating environmental impact,” said Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification.
The initiative aligns with the WHO Global Strategy on Health, Environment, and Climate Change and global agreements like the COP28 Declaration. It draws on findings from Unitaid’s 2023 report, which revealed that up to 95% of greenhouse gas emissions for some medicines come from raw material acquisition and manufacturing.
The WHO plans to publish a white paper on sustainable regulatory practices, culminating in a global summit in 2025. This summit will unite experts to drive transformative actions across the pharmaceutical supply chain, advancing a greener, more sustainable future for healthcare.
Source: WHO
Category: Pharmaceuticals
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
