Member States committed to support R&D to address the unmet needs of children and pregnant or lactating women in the WHA77 resolution ‘Accelerate progress towards reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal targets 3.1 and 3.2’. Action is required to realize this commitment.

Children require specific formulations of drugs, which are often delayed, if developed at all. Knowledge gaps exist on the impacts of medicines on females, especially those who are or may become pregnant or are lactating, as they are often excluded from research, causing delays in access to treatment.

We urge Member States to support strategies to include women and children early in drug development to meet their health needs. Support is also needed for the implementation of the newly launched GAP-f five-year strategy, referenced in the progress report, to ensure that safe, effective, quality, and affordable paediatric formulations are developed and made available to children.