Public notice & Comment
Deadline for public comments: 03 January 2025, 16:00 CET
Following a public call for experts and a rigorous selection process, the World Health Organization (WHO) is pleased to announce the addition of five new members to the existing group of eight members for the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Local Production and Technology Transfer of Health Products (TAG-LPTT). Established in accordance with key recommendations from the 1st World Local Production Forum, TAG-LPTT operates under the Secretariat of the Local Production and Assistance (LPA) Unit, with a mandate to support WHO’s efforts in advancing local production and technology transfer.
As outlined in its Terms of Reference, TAG-LPTT aims to include up to 15 members, ensuring a diverse composition that reflects balanced gender, geographical representation, and technical expertise. However, the initial recruitment process faced challenges in attracting sufficient qualified candidates, resulting in the appointment of nine members, predominantly male. To address this imbalance, a second call for expressions of interest was issued on January 11, 2024. This initiative successfully identified five additional candidates to enhance the group’s diversity.
This public notice and comment period pertains specifically to these five new members. Their appointments to TAG-LPTT are subject to the completion of this comment period and adherence to WHO’s practices and procedures.
Function of the TAG-LPTT
In its capacity as an advisory body to WHO, the TAG-LPTT plays a critical role in supporting WHO's mission by providing expert guidance and recommendations on the following:
- Advising the Local Production and Assistance Unit on the implementation of resolution WHA74.6, which focuses on strengthening local production of health products.
- Identifying and addressing current and future challenges in sustainable local production and technology transfer of safe, effective, and quality-assured health products to help Member States achieve Sustainable Development Goal targets.
- Providing recommendations on global policies and strategies to strengthen local production and technology transfer, with an emphasis on their integration with health systems elements to promote Universal Health Coverage and Global Public Health Security.
- Offering strategic advice on the local production of priority health products to improve equitable and timely access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, thereby enhancing health security.
- Providing technical expertise on various aspects of sustainable local production ecosystems, including policy coherence, financing, market environments, investments, human capital, infrastructure, research and development, production capabilities, partnerships, and market intelligence.
- Advising on innovative approaches to manufacturing and health technologies to empower low- and middle-income countries in meeting local and regional public health needs.
- Ensuring the effective impact of local production and technology transfer initiatives on improving access to essential health products globally.
Proposed TAG-LPTT Members
The proposed 5 additional TAG-LPTT members, in addition to the 8 existing members, were identified based on their expertise and qualifications as outlined in the Terms of Reference for the group. Special consideration was given to ensuring an adequate distribution of technical expertise, geographical representation, and gender balance among all members. The proposed members represent diverse areas of expertise, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory science, intellectual property, and health systems strengthening. Members will serve in their personal capacities for a two-year term.
Public Notice and Comment
In adherence to WHO’s rules and practices, and to enhance management of conflicts of interest while fostering public trust and transparency, the names and brief biographies of the selected TAG-LPTT members are now disclosed for public notice and comment.
Should you wish to provide comments on the proposed members, please send them via email to localproduction@who.int and include the subject line, “Public comments on TAG-LPTT members.” The deadline for submission is 03 January 2025, 16:00 CET.
Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy
WHO treats comments received through this public notice process confidentially. Comments and perceptions shared with WHO are integral to the organization’s conflict of interest assessment policy and are carefully reviewed in accordance with WHO’s rules, practices, and policies. WHO reserves the right to discuss relevant information with the proposed expert, with no attribution to the commenter. Based on the information received, WHO may, at its sole discretion, take appropriate action in accordance with its policies.
Disclaimer
The Published Information—including names and biographies of individuals being considered for the TAG—is provided by the experts themselves and is their sole responsibility. WHO is not responsible for the accuracy, veracity, or completeness of the information provided. WHO will not be liable for any damages arising from the use or reliance on this information.
Participation of an expert in a WHO advisory group does not imply endorsement or recommendation by WHO, nor does it establish a binding relationship between the expert and WHO.
For more information, visit the LPA website, TAG-LPTT Webpage.