The organisers agreed that WHO should take a lead role in assisting countries in analysing the pharmaceutical and public health implications of WTO agreements. With the support of WHO, WTO, WIPO and NGOs, conference delegates plan to return to their countries and demand that their national governments use existing and legal means to increase the supply of affordable essential drugs. If price is a criteria for inclusion on national essential medicines lists, then the international community must find a way to bring down the cost of key drugs in developing countries. Medical professionals in the developing world refuse to accept the fact that their patients are dying because multinational pharmaceutical companies, with the help of their national governments, are distorting international trade law to keep the price of essential medicines high in developing countries. The Geneva meeting was made possible with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation.
Pharmaceuticals are a multi-billion dollar global industry.
Meanwhile, most drugs on the market are non-essential and in many cases dangerous, ineffective or useless. Seeking to shed light on major issues concerning drug use Participants in the network range from powerful NGOs to small groups of isolated health workers or concerned individuals. They represent various segments in the growing consumer movement including national consumer, health rights, women's health, and patient groups. Today, the HAI network spans six continents. HAI groups are autonomous and self-reliant.