WHO Urges Action for a Greener Future in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The World Health Organization (WHO), through its Department of Regulation and Prequalification, has issued a call for action to drive sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector. Entitled “Greener pharmaceuticals’ regulatory highway,” this initiative underscores the urgent need for innovative regulatory practices to reduce the environmental footprint of medical products while maintaining high standards of safety and efficacy.
“Addressing the environmental impact of healthcare products is no longer optional – it is imperative,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. “The transformation of regulatory practices will be pivotal in shaping a pharmaceutical industry that meets today’s health needs without compromising the planet’s future.”
As climate change continues to exacerbate health risks worldwide, modern health systems, contributing to approximately 5% of global carbon emissions, must prioritize sustainability. This call for action urges global regulatory bodies and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to adopt innovative practices that prioritize sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
Key proposals include establishing new standards to ensure sustainable manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of medical products, fostering health and environmental benefits.
A central pillar of the initiative is leveraging digital transformation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to enhance regulatory systems and accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly innovations. “Health systems should lead by example in mitigating environmental impact,” emphasized Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO’s Director for Regulation and Prequalification. “This initiative will catalyze the global transformation required to align health sector operations with sustainability goals.”
The plan advocates cleaner production techniques, renewable energy investments, and sustainable procurement standards to reduce the environmental footprint of the pharmaceutical sector. Recent insights, such as Unitaid’s 2023 “From milligrams to megatons” report, underscore the urgency of addressing raw material sourcing and manufacturing emissions, which account for up to 95% of greenhouse gas emissions for certain medicines.
The initiative aligns with global frameworks like the WHO Global Strategy on Health, Environment, and Climate Change and the COP28 Declaration. A comprehensive white paper on sustainable regulatory practices will be developed and discussed at a global summit in 2025, convening experts to advance impactful change across the sector.
