Newsletter June 2025

New report on progress towards pharma market transparency

Countries should learn from good practice and enforce international collaboration to achieve transparency of pharmaceutical markets. That is the main message from our new joint report with Health Action International. Pharmaceutical transparency is key to establish fair prices for health products and to ensure accountability for decisions that affect public health. Our report highlights the steps taken in selected regions and countries to implement the World Health Assembly resolution on this issue and makes recommendations. Read the report ➔

Powerful statement at World Local Production Forum

“Regional production offers a promising and highly-needed prospect: equitable, affordable and independent access to life-saving medical products based on local health needs, for all.” Julia Hochberger, global health expert at Wemos, gave a powerful statement at the World Local Production Forum (WLPF) in Abu Dhabi last April. In a session on government policies and commitments, she outlined what is needed to ensure that regional production leads to countries’ self-reliance in access to medical products. Watch Julia's full statement and read her reflections on the WLPF.

SRHR tools now in Swahili

To reach and empower even more changemakers, we translated some of the tools in our intersectional lobby and advocacy toolkit into Swahili. With these tools people, and especially marginalized youth, can advocate their sexual and reproductive health and rights. Check out the toolkit ➔

WHO report on social determinants of health calls for financial reform

On 6 May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its new report on the social determinants of health equity. It demonstrates how a person’s health is profoundly shaped by factors like birthplace, income, gender and race. In line with Wemos' work, the report confirms that achieving health equity demands radical transformations in our social, economic and political systems, including global financial reforms. Read our full analysis here ➔

Pandemic Agreement adopted by 78th World Health Assembly

After three years of negotiations, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the Pandemic Agreement. It aims to strengthen global collaboration on prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemic threats. Wemos has followed the negotiations and has been involved in the developments. In our view, the agreement has some limitations, but is nonetheless a significant milestone when it comes to global health cooperation. Read more ➔

Season 2 of the Make Way for Youth podcast now out

Make Way is back with season 2 of the Make Way for Youth podcast, focusing on impact stories. For this first episode, the co-hosts are joined by two powerhouses from Kenya: Angela Kioko from Black Coffee Network and Sylvester Otieno Adhaya from the St. Francis Oriang Development Program. They share how Make Way has positively impacted their lobby and advocacy work for young people. Tune in on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

GFF evaluation: successes, challenges and the way forward

The Global Financing Facility (GFF) released an independent evaluation of its ten years working to improve the health and nutrition of women, children and adolescents. In it, we see key achievements – like support for domestic resource mobilization and stronger alignment with country priorities. We also identify areas that need improvement, like blended finance, private sector engagement, and civil society inclusion. As the GFF prepares its new 2026–2030 strategy, we share our suggestions in a new article. Read more ➔

Wemos tips and picks

Dirty Money’s episode ‘Drug Short’ (season 1, ep. 3) is a must-watch documentary exposing how Valeant Pharmaceuticals exploited the system by inflating prices of essential medicines, putting countless lives at risk. When pharmaceutical companies operate unchecked, patients pay the price with their health. One clear takeaway: we need stronger public regulation and transparency in drug pricing, to ensure that life-saving treatments remain accessible, not exploited for profit.