Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world Counterfeit Medicines: The views and role of patients and patients’ organizations Jo Harkness Policy & External Affairs Director WHO Workshop: Combating Counterfeit Drugs: Building Effective International Collaboration 16 February 2006 Rome, Italy

Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world About IAPO Unique global alliance of national, regional and international groups representing patients Established in 1999 Crossing borders and diseases Vision: Patients throughout the world are at the centre of healthcare

Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world The role of patients’ organizations High level global coordinated approach with other like- minded stakeholders aimed at raising political will to take action Raising public awareness and information provision and empowerment of patients to identify counterfeit medicines Patient groups are mobilising to be part of the necessary solution

Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world High level coordinated campaign Identifying interested patients’ organizations and those already acting, including: National Health Council (US): Counterfeit Drug Education Initiative Irish Patients Association: new report highlighting policy recommendations Coordinated campaigning across countries Mapping the problem, collating patient experiences, case studies, monitoring anti-counterfeit measures and learning from them The role of patients’ organizations

Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world Information and empowerment of patients Raising public awareness and providing information and advice to patient communities: to be aware of the risks of counterfeit medicines to be vigilant with medicines and to report differences or worries to health professionals to purchase medicines from licensed sources and appreciate the dangers of unregulated sources

Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world To conclude A global problem requires a global solution IAPO supports a coordinated multi- stakeholder and multi-level approach, sharing knowledge and resources, which has the potential to be highly effective

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