logo
Successful conclusion of the Third World Local Production Forum in Abu Dhabi

Successful conclusion of the Third World Local Production Forum in Abu Dhabi

Zawya10-04-2025
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The third edition of World Local Production Forum concluded successfully in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, bringing together key decision-makers, industry leaders, international organizations, and technical experts to discuss the critical role of local production in advancing global health equity, health security, and sustainable development.
Held under the theme 'Advancing Local Production for Health Equity, Global Health Security and Sustainable Development', the three-day forum took place from April 7 to 9, 2025, and witnessed the participation of top government officials, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the world.
In his closing remarks, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing local pharmaceutical production. He emphasized that the UAE is rapidly solidifying its position as a leading global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and advanced healthcare technologies, noting that local production has become not only a healthcare priority but also a strategic development imperative.
'We are pleased to host this global forum in partnership with the World Health Organization, reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to expanding local manufacturing capabilities, supporting research and development systems, and maintaining the highest quality standards in the production and distribution of medical products,' His Excellency stated.
He added, 'Our National Strategy for Advanced Innovation enables us to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and smart manufacturing into all stages of healthcare production, while maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability.'
Concluding his address, H.E stressed the importance of purposeful international cooperation, stating, 'Through this forum, we affirm that international collaboration is the path to constructive change. By linking investment to innovation and policy to impact, we can build a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system that serves communities everywhere.'
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), also delivered remarks during the forum, underscoring that the UAE is leading by example in building resilient and innovative pharmaceutical ecosystems capable of addressing evolving healthcare needs. 'Hosting the World Local Production Forum is a testament to the UAE's progress in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector,' she said. 'We believe that investing in local capabilities is the cornerstone for ensuring health security and equitable access to essential treatments.'
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products Division at the World Health Organization, highlighted the global relevance of the forum, stating, 'This forum comes at a critical time as health systems worldwide face growing challenges in ensuring timely and equitable access to essential health products. Strengthening local production is a foundational pillar for building more resilient healthcare systems, and the UAE provides a good example with holistic approach for other countries and regions.'
The forum featured a robust program of discussions across eight key thematic areas, including policies and regulatory frameworks for strengthening local production systems; innovative strategies for financing and investment; the promotion of research, innovation, and technology transfer across the pharmaceutical value chain; and pandemic preparedness through expanded manufacturing capacity, demand forecasting, and emergency financing.
Additional themes included the integration of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and climate adaptation in transforming local manufacturing; the formation of strategic partnerships to support sustainable local production and epidemic preparedness; knowledge sharing through case studies of successful country-level initiatives; and the CEO Forum, which convened global executives to explore the pharmaceutical industry's role in shaping public health outcomes.
Her Excellency Dr. Al Kaabi also participated in a high-level panel titled 'Localizing Pharmaceutical Innovation', which brought together members of the PharmaGroup, representing 29 global pharmaceutical companies, and the Mycomed Association, which includes around 70 companies in the medical device and equipment sectors. During the session, Dr. Al Kaabi presented the vision of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) to position the UAE as a global center for pharmaceutical innovation through the attraction of top talent, advanced technologies, and investment into the sector. She emphasized the role of pharmaceutical manufacturing in supporting economic diversification, knowledge economy transformation, and long-term healthcare system resilience.
Dr. Ashraf Malak and Dr. Dederick Koh, also speaking at the forum, highlighted the Pharmage Association's 20-year legacy in the UAE and its contributions to the availability of modern and innovative treatments. They commended the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) for its role in shaping a forward-thinking regulatory and industrial environment that is achieving tangible impact across the sector.
In another panel session, global health leaders explored the future of equitable access to medicines, regional manufacturing, innovation ecosystems, and pandemic preparedness.
Dr. Luis Pizarro, Executive Director, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) addressed the importance of health equity and the moral imperative to focus on neglected populations and diseases. He reflected on DNDi's work in building collaborative R&D platforms and promoting affordable access to life-saving treatments. 'The innovation ecosystem must serve those most in need. That means patients in the most vulnerable contexts must be central to our R&D agendas,' he emphasized. He mentioned strategies for strengthening local capacities to make local production a reality. First, he highlighted the importance of not just discussing technology transfer, but ensuring that countries also possess the necessary technological know-how to implement and sustain it. 'We cannot speak about technology transfer without ensuring the know-how is in place,' he said. Secondly, he stressed the need to invest in human capital—developing local expertise and skills to drive innovation and production. Finally, he called for the design of health solutions that are relevant to the needs of local populations, underscoring the importance of defining a target product profile that aligns with regional contexts and public health demands.
Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Center, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi presented Abu Dhabi's strategic vision for health innovation, emphasizing the Emirate's commitment to becoming a regional leader in research and development, clinical trials, and health technology advancement. 'Our vision is to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for health innovation in the region,' she affirmed. Dr. Al Mannaei highlighted a range of forward-looking initiatives, regulatory modernization, and the adoption of data-driven health solutions. She also emphasised the UAE's exemplary performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Abu Dhabi was ranked the number one most resilient city in pandemic crisis management. This success, she said, was achieved through strong collaboration between local and international entities, transforming the Emirate into a logistics and solutions hub for the region. Through these coordinated efforts, the UAE facilitated the delivery and management of over 260 million doses of vaccines to countries in need, showcasing its global solidarity and logistical excellence. She stated the importance of R&D and local production to ensure long-term sustainability and self-reliance in health systems, ultimately safeguarding the region.
Mr. Robert Matiru, Director of Programmes at UNITAID, emphasized the importance of moving beyond rhetoric to showcase tangible partnerships that have advanced local production capacity for equitable access to health tools. Highlighting the benefit of collaborations, Matiru explained how UNITAID structured a partnership that brought together critical resources. A catalytic $10 million investment—modest in scale but significant in impact—was mobilized under the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. This funding enabled partnerships with diagnostic manufacturers in the UK (Mologic, now Global Access Diagnostics) and South Korea (Bionote), facilitating rapid technology transfer and know-how sharing. With this support, IPD developed the capacity to manufacture lateral flow COVID-19 rapid tests, meeting global regulatory and quality standards. Before this initiative, Africa imported approximately 90% of its rapid tests—amounting to over half a billion tests annually for diseases like HIV and malaria. This collaboration helped shift the paradigm: IPD expanded its production capacity to 75 million rapid tests per year, significantly enhancing self-reliance in diagnostics. 'This is a prime example of how thoughtful, well-structured partnerships—combining financing, technology transfer, and strategic market planning—can empower local manufacturers to play a key role in global health security,' Matiru concluded.
Mr. Rajinder Kumar Suri, CEO, Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) shed light on the indispensable role of developing countries' vaccine manufacturers in pandemic response and preparedness. He discussed the lessons learned from COVID-19 and how vaccine equity was undermined by global supply chain gaps and overreliance on a few manufacturers. 'We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Strengthening regional manufacturing hubs, especially in the Global South, is critical for timely access during future pandemics,' Mr. Suri stated. He advocated for technology transfer mechanisms, better regulatory alignment, and long-term funding strategies that empower regional players.
Mr. Guilherme Cintra, Head of Policy, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) shared CEPI's vision for advancing equitable vaccine development and distribution in the face of future health emergencies. He highlighted CEPI's commitment to building robust, end-to-end R&D ecosystems that span from early-stage innovation to large-scale delivery. Underscoring the importance of collaboration, he stated, 'The concept of self-reliance is an illusion—we need to depend and help each other.' He emphasized the need for inclusive, cooperative approaches where regional stakeholders are not merely recipients but active contributors within global innovation pipelines, ensuring that solutions are shaped by and for the communities they serve.
As part of her engagements during the forum, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, conducted a visit to the Adcan Pharma manufacturing facility. During the meeting with the factory's management, both parties explored avenues for enhanced coordination and collaboration aimed at supporting the growth and sustainability of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. The discussions focused on reinforcing national capabilities and fostering innovation across the production value chain.
The third edition of the World Local Production Forum received comprehensive support from the Emirates Drug Establishment, in close cooperation with the World Health Organization and a broad network of international partners. It served as a dynamic platform for government leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry experts to address critical issues related to sustainable local production and global health security.
Key outcomes from this Forum included 4077 participants from 141 countries, 16 ministers and Engagement of over 229 international speakers representing government agencies, health institutions, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.
This reinforced the UAE's steadfast commitment to fostering global partnerships that accelerate local production capacities, ensuring equitable access to healthcare solutions worldwide. It also highlighted the country's growing prominence as a global hub for life sciences, pharmaceutical innovation, and advanced health technologies.
In a symbolic gesture marking the end of the forum, the hosting torch was officially handed over to the Republic of Indonesia, which will host the fourth edition of the World Local Production Forum in 2026. This transition reflects the spirit of international cooperation and continued momentum toward achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable health systems across the globe.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Your Health Horoscope for July 23, 2025
Your Health Horoscope for July 23, 2025

UAE Moments

time11 hours ago

  • UAE Moments

Your Health Horoscope for July 23, 2025

Each zodiac sign is linked to a part of our body and can reveal valuable information about how celestial forces influence our well-being. Discover your daily health horoscope based on your zodiac sign. Aries Health Horoscope It can be hard for you to let go but holding onto past resentments or negative emotions that don't serve you can manifest in your health. Now is the time to let go of whatever is holding you back. We store energy in our bodies and it sticks there without us even realizing. But we also have the ability to work with energy in our bodies. Positive thinking, letting go, forgiveness and understanding the bigger picture is important. You have the power to transform your energy, never forget this. Taurus Health Horoscope Your emotions are important to your well-being. Health and well-being starts from within. Living in a state of positivity is a natural healer to you on mental and physical levels. Protect your space. Focus on your emotional journey and know that when you pay close attention to your feelings and recognize where they are harming you, you then begin to move up the emotional ladder and you will see positive changes. Gemini Health Horoscope If you've been struggling to maintain a healthy weight, today brings opportunities to discover new exercise or health regimes which attract you. Sometimes changing things and trying something new is all that you need to get things going again. If you are lacking in motivation, the crystal lepidolite is especially helpful for you to meditate with at this time. Take some quiet time to yourself to relax your mind and connect with your inner knowing. Cancer Health Horoscope This is a great time to think of how you can make vibrant changes to your health routine. If you have any vices that are proving to be obstacles to your health, today is about reflecting on this and thinking of ways for how to deal with them effectively. Meditation and exploring your inner self can help bring enlightenment so don't take some time to ground and balance yourself, connecting with your intuition to find clarity. Leo Health Horoscope You are very focused today and this lunar energy brings excellent concentration in regard to health matters. If you have been struggling with focusing on your health goals, today brings new burst of energy. Chaga mushroom, spinach and blueberries are superfoods for you and help bring you into alignment with yourself. Trust your intuition and know you are on the right track. Virgo Health Horoscope Your creativity is especially strong today and the more you engage with your creative spirit, the better you feel overall. Taking time to reconnect with your inner being through meditation practice is a wonderful way to balance your energies within. When you feel out of alignment with yourself, your health begins to be affected. This applies to both emotionally and physically. Ask yourself, how are you feeling today? Your body will let you know when it requires attention. Libra Health Horoscope The best thing you can do for yourself right now is prioritize your physical and emotional health. To neglect either of them is to neglect important aspects of yourself. Today you are encouraged to take a break from the bustle of daily life and focus on you. Don't push yourself too hard. It is time to rest and focus on you. Try to unwind and relax. Scorpio Health Horoscope Are negative thoughts creeping in? Now is the time to think about how you can balance your outer environment to fit your internal one. In what ways can you make personal changes to your health regime? This is an important question to consider today. Foods high in vitamins and minerals are essential for your physical body. When you give your foods the nutrients it needs, you will naturally feel better. Read More: Your Zodiac: SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22) Sagittarius Health Horoscope It is important to focus on you and your well-being. Are you giving yourself the self-nurture you need? You are accustomed to putting yourself out for others. But your boundaries matter. Are you setting necessary boundaries in your life? Foods that are nutritious and wholesome raise your vibrational levels. Drinks such as ginger tea and kefir are very good for your body. Try and include these into your diet. Capricorn Health Horoscope Are you giving your body the attention it deserves? This is a time to listen to what your body is telling you. A gratitude journal is such a wonderful idea. Daily prompts that remind you of things to appreciate raise your happiness levels. What do you feel most appreciative for? Who are you grateful for in your life? The more you practice gratitude, the happier you will be. Aquarius Health Horoscope It can be hard to move in a positive direction if you feel stuck in negative energy. Negative energy affects both physical and mental health. Once you catch the energy in the early stages and truly understand that you have the power to transform negative energy into positive energy, you will begin to feel happier and brighter. Focus on the things that make you happy. What makes you feel good? Your feelings are everything and nurturing your emotions is essential to your well-being. Pisces Health Horoscope Are you feeling balanced within? Or are things feeling out of sync right now? When mental or physical health is imbalanced, life cannot be as wonderful as it could be. Your belief in your own health is absolutely essential. Healing starts from within. It starts from positive thoughts, positive feelings and positive energy. Start working from the inside and truly believe in yourself.

WHO urges immediate action against global Chikungunya outbreak
WHO urges immediate action against global Chikungunya outbreak

Filipino Times

time17 hours ago

  • Filipino Times

WHO urges immediate action against global Chikungunya outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a possible global outbreak of chikungunya virus, citing early signs similar to a major epidemic that occurred two decades ago. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain. While rarely fatal, the illness can be debilitating and pose serious public health risks when outbreaks occur on a large scale. Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk,' said the WHO's Diana Rojas Alvarez. Rojas Alvarez recalled that from 2004 to 2005, a significant chikungunya outbreak started in the Indian Ocean and eventually spread worldwide, affecting nearly half a million people. A similar pattern is emerging this year, with major outbreaks reported in Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius. WHO estimates that one-third of Reunion's population may already have been infected. The virus is now spreading to other areas in the region, including Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, with epidemic transmission also occurring in parts of South Asia. Imported cases linked to the Indian Ocean outbreak have been recorded in Europe, with local transmission in France and suspected cases in Italy. 'We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks,' said Rojas Alvarez. Although chikungunya's case fatality rate is less than one percent, large-scale outbreaks could lead to thousands of deaths and overwhelm health systems, she added. Chikungunya is transmitted by infected female Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, also known as tiger mosquitoes. The latter species is expanding its range due to warming temperatures, making previously unaffected regions vulnerable. WHO urged the public to take precautionary measures, such as using mosquito repellents and eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

World Health Organization raises concern about the spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus
World Health Organization raises concern about the spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus

Al Etihad

timea day ago

  • Al Etihad

World Health Organization raises concern about the spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus

22 July 2025 21:40 GENEVA (REUTERS)The World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva.'We are seeing history repeating itself,' she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the "tiger mosquito" which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store