Context: Recently, the Indian delegation led by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers participated in the 2nd World Local Production Forum at the Hague.

About the World Local Production Forum

• Initiated by: World Health Organisation (WHO). 

• Secretariat: Local Production and Assistance (LPA) Unit.

• Aim: Aligning with WHO’s mission it aims to increase access to medicines and other health technologies. 

• Working: It provides Member States and the global community with a regular platform to shape strategies, galvanize collective action, and foster partnerships on sustainable local production to improve timely and equitable access to quality assured health products.

• 1st Edition: Organized in a virtual format in 2021 to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global events. 

• 2nd Edition: Organized from 6 to 8 November 2023 at Hague, Netherlands.

• To provide a global platform for discussions on key challenges related to promoting local production and technology transfer in the healthcare sector.

• To explore opportunities and mechanisms to overcome bottlenecks in local production.

• Relevance of India’s Participation: India is recognized as a major player in the pharmaceutical supply chain and global public healthcare, offering affordable and quality healthcare solutions.

About the World Health Organisation

• It was established in 1948, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. 

• It is a United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

• It provides technical assistance to countries, sets international health standards, and collects data on global health issues.

• It has played a leading role in several public health achievements, most notably the Eradication of smallpox, the near-eradication of polio, and the development of an Ebola

• The World Health Assembly, the agency's decision-making body, elects and advises an executive board made up of 34 health specialists.