Yaoundé 2009
The Yaoundé Process is a mechanism created to strengthen synergies between activities that focus on health innovation in Africa.
The Process and its Yaoundé 2009 meeting (March 2009) highlight country and regional needs for health innovation in Africa. They help put the principles of the Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property into action for Africa*.
It works with countries and international programmes to build a better understanding of African country needs and resources. It offers advice and support to countries and encourages donors to invest in country-driven health innovation agendas.
Yaoundé encourages a broader perspective on health innovation. One where national strategies should include policies, regulation issues, market environment and incentives, financing, local medicines production, human resources, and other health, social, legal and economic aspects.
* Results of the Intergovernmental Working Group on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property (IGWG), adopted at 2008 world Health Assembly by 193 WHO Member States.