Public Private Collaboration Crucial for Success of Health Reforms

Published on January 17, 2017

Addressing the OECD Health Committee yesterday, Business at OECD (BIAC) emphasized the private sector role as partner both in bringing innovative solutions in health and well-being and in intensifying public-private collaboration with OECD and governments.

Ministers from over 35 OECD and partner countries discussed the Next Generation of Health Reforms. This reflects the challenge that many countries face from the demographic transition to an ageing society and the associated increase in the burden of chronic diseases and related co-morbidities. The meeting addressed a number of topics, including ineffective health spending and avoiding waste, the opportunities offered by new health technologies, the role of health professionals and realizing the promise offered by Big Data in health.

“Health systems in OECD countries face numerous complex challenges,” stated Nicole Denjoy, chair of the BIAC Health Committee. “What they have in common is that these challenges can only be overcome through multi-stakeholder efforts. Health policies need to embrace innovation, encourage education, and foster economic growth; therefore achieving greater policy coherence will be crucial.”

Helen Medina, USCIB’s vice president for product policy and innovation, added: “With the debate over the future of the Affordable Care Act currently embroiling Washington, it’s useful to place discussions of health care affordability and effectiveness in a global context.”

In the paper entitled “Priorities and Vision for the Future of Health,” which was released during the Health Ministerial, business identifies four priority recommendations for the OECD and governments: integrating care, embracing innovation, promoting balanced nutrition and active lifestyles and investing in a healthier future. The paper, which also highlights how private-public dialogue and partnerships could inform health policies and related analysis, can be accessed here.

USCIB in the News: Op-ed in The Hill on UN Funding

Published on January 11, 2017

USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson published a timely op-ed in The Hill addressing recent calls in Congress to withhold or withdraw U.S. funding for the United Nations. The op-ed, reprinted below, is also available on The Hill’s website.

This op-ed comes as President-elect Trump’s top appointees, including his proposed foreign policy team, are on Capitol Hill for Senate confirmation hearings. We encourage you to share the op-ed with your colleagues and others who may be interested.

The Hill

January 11, 2017

Walking away from the UN would harm US economic interests

By Peter M. Robinson, opinion contributor

With President-elect Trump’s key foreign policy nominees facing Senate confirmation hearings this week and next, some lawmakers on Capitol Hill are threatening to withhold or slash U.S. funding for the United Nations.

This would be a bad idea, both for American power and influence, and for our economic interests. It would be especially risky for U.S. companies and workers.

My organization — The United States Council for International Business — has represented American business views to the U.N. and other international organizations for decades.

We know the U.N. sometimes fails to measure up to our expectations, particularly when it and its specialized agencies have provided a platform for anti-business views. Why do we put up with this? Why shouldn’t we just take our chips and go home?

Quite simply, because we know that no country, including the United States, can go it alone. A strong U.S. presence in the U.N. enhances our influence and our overall security.

More than ever, at a time when terrorism, cybersecurity threats, disease pandemics and refugee crises can disrupt our lives, we need the kind of platform for close international cooperation and collective action that the U.N. can provide.

This is especially true for American companies with customers, employees and operations around the world. While we may not agree with everything the U.N. does, it is simply not in our interest to withdraw support.

We in the private sector see an urgent need for the United States to stick up for its economic interests in the U.N.

For instance, in the negotiations that culminated in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, the U.S. had to push back hard against proposals to undermine protection for innovation and intellectual property rights, to assign historical liability for loss and damage from natural disasters, and to ban certain technologies or energy options important to U.S. energy security and climate risk reduction.

Without strong U.S. leadership, these initiatives would have carried the day, hampering American jobs and competitiveness.

At their best, the U.N. and similar bodies set global standards and develop rules that allow U.S. businesses to plan and invest.

Recent U.N. initiatives that have helped American business and our economy include agreements that support a fundamentally “hands-off” approach to the global Internet and guidelines laying out the roles and responsibilities of the private sector and governments in upholding human rights.

Moreover, the U.N. has recently developed the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing an array of challenges, from ending global poverty and hunger to ensuring access to energy, for the next decade and beyond.

The SDGs were developed in close partnership with the private sector, which will be responsible for “delivering the goods” in many, if not most, measures of success.

So, is the U.N. perfect? Far from it, but withholding funding or walking away from the U.N. won’t change that.

Like it or not, it is part of the fundamental infrastructure for global economic activity. Like other infrastructure, the U.N. is desperately in need of repair to meet the needs of the 21st century.

If we play our cards right, this can be a century of American-led innovation and entrepreneurship. President-elect Trump’s administration should insist that the U.N. live up to its potential, defending and advancing U.S. interests in the influential world body.

Business will be there to help. Just last month, the U.N. afforded highly-selective Observer Status in the U.N. General Assembly to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the business organization that represents enterprises across the globe in numerous U.N. deliberations.

This is an important sign of progress, indicating that the U.N. recognizes the need to work more effectively with business.

(Full disclosure: My organization serves as ICC’s American chapter and we pushed hard in support of ICC’s application.)

Congress should meet U.S. funding obligations and work with the Trump administration to hold the U.N. accountable to the U.S. and other member governments, as well as to economic stakeholders in the business community.

Strong engagement and leadership in the global body by the United States is an opportunity too important to lose. American security, jobs and economic opportunities are at stake if the U.S. were to indeed walk away.

Peter M. Robinson is president and CEO of the United States Council for International Business. He is an appointee to the President’s Committee on the International Labor Organization and the Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on Public-Private Partnerships. Robinson holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University.

The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of The Hill.

Business Presents Views on Health and Innovation to OECD

Published on October 21, 2016

USCIB's Helen Medina (center) and other members of the BIAC Health Committee — USCIB’s Helen Medina (center) and other members of the BIAC Health Committee

Ahead of a key OECD health ministerial in January, 10 private-sector health policy experts, including USCIB Vice President Helen Medina, met in Paris last week for the BIAC (Business at OECD) Health Committee, took part in a key OECD meeting on “The Economics of Prevention,” and exchanged views on health and innovation policy with selected permanent delegations to the OECD.

With several governments contemplating heavy-handed labeling and marketing restrictions on foods they deem unhealthy, the industry experts sought to underscore how much industry has done to address the health impacts of its products as well as consumer lifestyle choices.

“The fact is, industry has made robust commitments on marketing and advertising, and has reformulated products in response to public concerns about health,” said Medina. “Our goal is to ensure that industry can continue to innovate and contribute to healthy diets while continuing to provide a range of choices for consumers.”

Other BIAC experts emphasized that industry is not afraid of regulation, but wants governments to support research and innovation policies, which would also help smaller companies. They asked OECD governments to consider ways to improve the base of evidence regarding effective disease prevention tools and other interventions. There is a need, they said, for nutritional data and for an integrative comprehensive approach to foster healthy choices, lifestyles and sustainable diets.

The group held bilateral meetings with OECD missions including the United States, Australia and the Czech Republic.

UN Report on Generic Drugs Disappoints Business Community

Published on September 22, 2016

A recent report published by the United Nations argues that low-income countries should be allowed to override pharmaceuticals patents so they can access a cheaper supply of generic drugs.

The U.S. Department of State issued a press release expressing disappointment with the report and arguing that intellectual property rights in the pharmaceutical industry are essential to medical innovation, which is fundamental to promoting global health.

“We believe that we can both increase access to medicines and support innovation for the development of new and improved drugs for the world’s most critical health challenges,” the statement said. “Indeed, there can be no access to drugs that have not been developed: support for innovation is essential.”

USCIB echoes these remarks and believes that increasing access to life-saving medicines is a complex matter, and countries have a wide array of policies and actions that may be appropriate in promoting the progressive realization of the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical health.

“Robust intellectual property rights support the development of innovative new treatments and drugs,” said Peter Robinson, USCIB president and CEO. “We’re disappointed that this new report fails to recognize the role intellectual property rights plays, and we remain committed to advancing access to new medicines while also fostering innovation and investment.”

Successful Policies to Fight Obesity

Published on July 5, 2016

Are there any successful policies and programs to fight overweight and obesity? USCIB responded to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Global Forum request for answers to this important question.

“All facets of society, including the private sector, have an important role to play in helping to reduce the incidence and burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” USCIB said in comments submitted to the FAO on June 30. “This view is supported by World Health Organization (WHO) and OECD strategies recognizing that NCD solutions require a whole-of-society approach, multi-sectoral actions, and collaboration among governments, civil society and the private sector. Given the complex and multi-factorial nature of NCDs, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to develop holistic, sustainable solutions.”

The comments note that the food and beverage industry’s efforts to prevent NCDs are guided by sound, science-based polices that include:

Providing a range of nutritious product choices and marketing them in ways that promote healthy lifestyles
Improving awareness and understanding of nutrition and energy balance
Communicating clearly through labeling, packaging, websites, brochures, and in-store communications to enable consumers to make informed choices
Undertaking responsible advertising practices, taking into account the special needs of children
Emphasizing the importance of achieving a balance throughout life of physical activity and nutrition
Partnering with other stakeholders in these endeavors.

The comments also list several examples of voluntary industry efforts that have contributed to the fight against obesity and other NCDs.

Read USCIB’s comments.

Business Calls for Partnerships at World Health Assembly

Published on May 31, 2016

Following several years of negotiations, last week in Geneva the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted updated rules that will govern how the World Health Organization (WHO) manages relationships with non-governmental actors, such as industry, philanthropic organizations, nongovernmental organizations and academic institutions. The WHO Framework of Engagement with non-State Actors (FENSA) is intended to prevent conflict of interest and avoid the risk of undue influence of non-state actors on the work of the WHO. A copy of the FENSA resolution and text can be found here. FENSA will likely impact joint initiatives between WHO and other UN bodies, such as FAO, UNEP, etc. and could create precedents impacting business engagement in other UN forums.

Throughout the negotiations, USCIB has stated that in light of the magnitude and breadth of global health challenges, all stakeholders, including from business, should be involved in following and cooperating with WHO’s mission.

“USCIB has consistently emphasized the need for partnerships between business, governments and other stakeholders to fully implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG3 on Health, and called on WHO to catalyze those partnerships wherever possible,” said Helen Medina, USCIB’s vice president for product policy and innovation. “It is now our hope that the WHO will implement FENSA inclusively so that member states and the secretariat may fully benefit from the private sector’s practical knowledge expertise, experience, resources and research.”

In particular, Medina noted that implementation should encourage and involve large business networks, such as the International Organization of Employers and the International Chamber of Commerce, in observing and furthering WHO’s work. Like other United Nations bodies, USCIB hopes WHO will seek the best expertise from the business community, and take advantage of broad business networks to further WHO objectives.

As next steps, the WHO secretariat will create a guidance document to facilitate the FENSA implementation, which is likely to be done in phases. Full implementation is to be achieved in a two-year time frame. The WHO secretariat will also establish a register of non-state actors in time for the next WHA in May 2017. The 2017 WHA is also expected to review progress on implementation of the framework at the three levels of the WHO and then take any decisions necessary to enable the full, coherent and consistent implementation of FENSA.

The FENSA resolution agreed on May 28 indicates that the WHO Executive Board will have a standing agenda item for reporting on FENSA implementation. In 2019, the implementation of the framework and its impact on the work of WHO will be evaluated, and the results of this evaluation will submitted together with any proposals for revision at the WHO Executive Board in January 2020.

USCIB will monitor how the WHO will implement FENSA and its impacts and implications for U.S. companies. USCIB will seek opportunities to inform the development of the WHO FENSA implementation guidance as appropriate, and monitor any precedents that may arise from FENSA in others UN forums.

USCIB Attends Highest Health Policy Forum

Published on May 23, 2016

The World Health Organization’s annual World Health Assembly takes place this week in Geneva, convening health ministers from 194 countries to deliberate on major global health policy issues. Helen Medina, USCIB’s vice president for product policy and innovation, attended the World Health Assembly representing the views of U.S. business.

USCIB has been monitoring and providing input into the WHO’s Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), a policy that will determine how the WHO interacts with non-state actors including businesses. USCIB recently submitted comments at a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Stakeholder Listening Session calling for clarity as the WHO implements its new framework.

USCIB argues that the proposed FENSA is too stringent, as it would limit the WHO’s ability to fully benefit from the private sector’s practical expertise, resources and research.

“Given the magnitude and breadth of global health challenges, we believe that all stakeholders including business should be involved in supporting the WHO’s policies,” said Medina.

USCIB called on U.S. negotiators headed to the World Health Assembly to push for a resolution that reflects the need for positive measures that invite and enable public-private partnerships to advance the WHO’s mission.

While in Geneva, Medina will be supporting USCIB members on the ground at the assembly, as well as attending side-events related to non-communicable diseases and intellectual property rights and innovation.

Public-Private Collaboration Offers Solutions for Better Health

Published on May 9, 2016

L-R: Riz Khan (CNN), Robin Nuttall (McKinsey & Company), Jon Woods (Coca-Cola), Jorg Spieldenner (Nestle) and Jan Derck Van Karnebeek (Heineken) — L-R: Riz Khan, Robin Nuttall (McKinsey & Company), Jon Woods (The Coca-Cola Company), Jorg Spieldenner (Nestle) and Jan Derck Van Karnebeek (Heineken)

Last week, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD (BIAC), convened a high-level forum to identify the central role for business as partners in bringing innovative solutions in health and well-being. The business community understand the importance of health, and it can bring benefits and opportunities that will make societies healthier and economies more productive. At the forum participants called on the OECD governments to work with business as an important stakeholder to tackle today’s health challenges. Speakers identified key priorities and potential solutions for governments to improve the productivity of economies and well-being of populations which included the following:

using business collaboration to respond faster to changing consumer and societal needs;
scaling up partnerships for promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors; and
developing sustainable healthcare systems that leverage private sector-led innovations.

“This first dialogue of its kind brought together senior representatives from government, the OECD, and the private sector, as well as leading experts in health and well-being working together to improve understanding of current global health challenges and identify effective policy recommendations,” said Helen Medina, USCIB’s vice president for product policy and innovation.

The two-day event featured over 20 speakers that included the following USCIB members:

Dr. Bernard Prigent, Head of Medical Affairs Europe, Pfizer Inc.;
Dr. Jorg Spieldenner, Head of Public Health Nutrition, Nestle Research Center
Jon Woods, General Manager, Great Britain and Ireland, The Coca-Cola Company.

During the first day, the audience learned how the food and drink industries are investing in product formulation and medical nutrition to deliver healthier products for consumers. Industry also demonstrated that is it committed to responsible marketing approaches in communicating with consumers to do its part in promoting healthy lifestyle choices. As employers, speakers discussed the importance of offering wellness programs, which empower populations and increase productivity.

“Because there is no silver bullet to dealing with chronic diseases, working in partnership with governments and community stakeholders is crucial, as are holistic educational programs that encourage physical activity and healthy life styles throughout ones’ life span,” Medina said.

The second day focused on policies that encourage sustainable healthcare systems. The audience was reminded that 21st healthcare systems must be patient-centered to be effective while also integrating digital technologies to make strides in disease prevention and management. Better cooperation with all stakeholders and integration of key technologies, such as big data, telemedicine and electronic health records can greatly improve the measurement and utilization of health outcomes, leading to improved health outcomes for patients while maintaining financial sustainability of healthcare systems through reduced waste and optimal resource allocation.

With regards to non-communicable diseases, today’s largest cause of mortality across OECD countries, panelists said there’s a need for rapid access to new therapies and innovations to reduce the disease burden. Achieving fast access and managed introduction of new technologies in healthcare systems requires new and innovative solutions, including payment and funding schemes, through cooperation between all stakeholders such as regulatory authorities, payers, health technology assessment agencies, healthcare providers and industry.

New technologies are critical to finding solutions for health challengs but equally important is striking a balance between encouraging innovation and access to new medicines. On this item, engaging all stakeholders in the conversation is a must. The innovation ecosystem is changing, and the private sector is providing new products and services to respond to global health challenges, including ageing and other unmet needs. The pharmaceutical R&D model of innovation is also evolving. Health should be included in all policies, and governments need to strengthen collaboration with the private sector to achieve better patient outcomes. New technologies are still needed to overcome future health challenges, and private sector investments focusing on unmet health needs, with the patient in the center, should be encouraged from a broader policy framework.

The BIAC Health and Wellness Forum was moderated by Riz Khan a well-known CNN reporter. For more information, contact Helen Medina.

USCIB Calls for Inclusiveness in Addressing Global Health Challenges

Published on May 9, 2016

Ahead of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual World Health Assembly, the world’s highest health policy setting body, USCIB submitted comments at a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Stakeholder Listening Session calling for clarity as the WHO implements its Framework for Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA).

Eva Hampl, USCIB’s director for investment, trade and financial services, spoke at an HHS listening session held to solicit knowledge, ideas and feedback from all stakeholders – including private industry – as the U.S. positions itself to negotiate with other countries at the upcoming World Health Assembly. She urged the United States government to ensure that all stakeholders are included in the development and implementation of the FENSA guidance.

“Under current WHO rules, business organizations like ours, and our broad international affiliates, already encounter roadblocks to observing and supporting most WHO work,” Hampl said. “We are concerned this situation could worsen.”

USCIB argues that the proposed FENSA is too stringent, as it would limit the WHO’s ability to fully benefit from the private sector’s practical expertise, resources and research. Given the magnitude and breadth of global health challenges, USCIB believes that all stakeholders should be involved in supporting the WHO’s policies.

“In our view, FENSA extends already discriminatory and restrictive practices on business, is cumbersome, lacks minimum transparency and accountability, and will set negative precedents in other [United Nations] forums,” USCIB said in a statement submitted to HHS. “It is a step backward and in contradiction to what has been the prevailing international trend by governments and inter-governmental bodies toward innovative and enhanced engagement with private sector entities to advance sustainable development.”

BIAC Forum to Spark New Ideas for Better Healthcare

Published on April 20, 2016

By Helen Medina

Health is everyone’s business. Not only do we as individuals have a stake, but policymakers need to ensure that national populations are active and healthy for the sake of their economies. OECD countries are keenly aware of this and are striving to develop and maintain sustainable healthcare systems that harness the power of innovation and achieve better health outcomes, greater productivity and well-being. We all know that health challenges are complex and there is no single solution to global problems, but business is a key component to unlocking ideas and providing answers.

Against this backdrop, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD (BIAC) is hosting a Forum on Innovation in Health and Well-Being on May 3-4, 2016 in Paris at the OECD Headquarters. This unique two-day event will allow participants to exchange solutions and policy recommendations with high-level representatives from the business community, governments and leading voices in the field. We are thrilled that Riz Khan, a well-known international journalist and author, recognized across the globe for having had flagship TV shows on CNN International and Al Jazeera English, will moderate the discussion.

Follow the event at #BIAChealth

This packed event will showcase the diversity of how business is involved in providing solutions to health care challenges. Participants will learn how the food and drink industries are investing in innovations to deliver healthier products for consumers. As employers, businesses are also providing wellness programs that empower populations and increase productivity. The business community knows that we are just one stakeholder, and the event will showcase examples of partnerships with governments and community stakeholders to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, as well as education programs that encourage populations to become physically active and adopt healthy lifestyles.

The second day will address business views on how to create sustainable healthcare systems. We believe that a 21st century healthcare system must be patient-centered to be effective, and the integration of digital technologies is vital to making strides in areas of disease prevention and management. And of course having stakeholder dialogue is crucial to striking a balance between encouraging innovation and improving access to new medicines. Business understands that delivering innovation requires a broad policy framework involving multiple government agencies. Government and business collaboration will be essential in all phases of research. The discussion outcomes of the meeting are relevant for the global health community.

I look forward participating in this unique opportunity and hope to see you in Paris!

Find out more about the BIAC Forum on Innovation in Health and Well-Being.

USCIB Monthly Health and Nutrition Blog

March: Global Nutrition: What Is the Private Sector Doing?

February: We’ve All Got to Work Together On Global Health Issues

January: Businesses Celebrate American Heart Month

WP ID: 22060 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 22033 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 21233 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 20992 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 20449 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 20181 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 20101 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 19951 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 19917 - Doc ID: 0
WP ID: 19761 - Doc ID: 0