The WHO Member State mechanism on substandard and falsified medical products

The document outlines how WHO Member States collaborate to ensure access to safe and effective medicines, vaccines, and other medical products. The document emphasizes the significance of quality medical products for universal health coverage. Substandard and falsified medical products pose a threat to global health, leading to increased disease prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, adverse health effects, and economic losses. Since its inception in 2012, the Member State Mechanism has served as a global platform for countries to coordinate efforts against these challenges. The mechanism focuses on prevention, detection, and response to the issue, with a particular emphasis on strengthening national and regional capacities. The document also highlights the financial impact, noting that low- and middle-income countries spend an estimated $30.5 billion on substandard and falsified medicines. The mechanism's work aligns with the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System, which facilitates reporting and analysis of substandard and falsified products. The document also provides insights into the governance structure of the mechanism, its objectives, and its achievements, such as the development of standardized definitions and the establishment of a global communications framework.