We support option A of recommendation 1, which proposes to dissolve the MSM and establish a new format that would report to the DG. We believe that addressing substandard and falsified medical products need not and should not be through a standalone entity within the WHO, particularly in light of the current resource constraints highlighted in the report.

We emphasise that improving national-level regulatory capacity is key to combating substandard and falsified medical products. Neither the WHO nor the current MSM have the legal mandate to enforce penalties against suppliers of substandard and falsified medical products. Law enforcement falls under national jurisdictions; hence, we call on the WHO to support MS in developing regulatory capacity where substandard and falsified products circulate.