WHA78 side event in Geneva
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships to Combat Infectious Diseases (Vector-Borne Diseases, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Emerging Infectious Diseases) Japan's Contributions and Strategic Partnerships in the Fight against Infectious Diseases

Mr. Hirofumi Niki, Vice Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare

In his opening remarks, Mr. Niki introduced the Japanese government's efforts to combat infectious diseases. The purpose of this event is to raise global awareness of the challenges and solutions related to vector-borne diseases, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and emerging infectious diseases at a time of great change in global health," he said, noting Japan's support for the GHIT Fund and the Expanded Special Project for NTD Elimination (ESPEN). He emphasized Japan's support for the GHIT Fund and the Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of NTDs (ESPEN), among others.

He also noted that Japan is a major donor to international organizations such as CEPI, Gavi, and the Global Fund, which are responsible for the development and supply of vaccines and therapeutics for emerging infectious diseases and vector-borne diseases. He also explained that Japan is actively involved in bilateral cooperation, including the provision of the Mpox vaccine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

He said, "Cross-border cooperation and innovation are essential for effective measures to combat these diseases. We will continue to work with various stakeholders, including industry, the public sector, the private sector, and academia, to maximize our efforts to solve global health challenges, including NTD elimination," he said, calling on participants to pool their wisdom and make significant progress in the fight against infectious diseases.

Osamu Kunii, CEO/Executive Director of the Global Health Technology Fund (GHIT Fund), pointed out that we are facing not only COVID-19 but also multiple infectious disease threats, including malaria, the "silent pandemic" of drug resistance (AMR), and NTDs affected by climate change

The current decline in tuberculosis (TB) incidence is only about 2% per year, far from the global goal of a 90% reduction by 2035. At the current pace, it will take more than 150 years to reach the goal, and to reach it by 2035, we need new tools and innovations immediately: better diagnostics, more effective treatments with fewer side effects, and vaccines to prevent infection and disease," he warned.

He noted, "The COVID-19 pandemic was a serious crisis, but it also brought great opportunities for advances and applications of technology and innovation. He was particularly amazed that a highly effective and safe vaccine was developed in less than a year, citing funding, technology and knowledge sharing, voluntary licensing, streamlined clinical trials, rapid regulatory approval, and the power of collaboration and partnership as factors in its success.

However, he noted several challenges in the current situation:

Walid Kandil, Head of Global Medical Affairs for Takeda's Vaccine Business Unit, said, "Takeda is a 240-year-old Japanese global pharmaceutical company. Our latest contribution to global health is the introduction of our dengue vaccine to the market. It took us more than 50 years to develop this vaccine," he explained.

In terms of corporate social responsibility, he noted that since 2016, Takeda has supported various initiatives, including the construction or renovation of 281 medical facilities, the diagnosis and treatment of 11 million patients, and the donation of 1.5 million treatments. In addition to the recent announcement of a two-year extension of its strategic partnership with the Global Fund, the organization has also established partnerships in Asia to support the implementation of an integrated strategy for dengue fever prevention, and in Latin America to support access initiatives.

Ina Agustina Isturini of Indonesia's Ministry of Health reported on the country's infectious disease control efforts: since 2024, several districts have declared outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever, and some have declared a state of emergency. These diseases are highly prevalent due to climate change, high population mobility, and an environment that supports vector breeding.

Of Indonesia's 514 districts, 94% are endemic for dengue fever, with more than 250,000 cases and approximately 1,500 deaths reported by 2024. For malaria, 113 districts are endemic, with approximately 544,000 cases and 25 deaths reported in 2024.

To achieve the goals of malaria elimination and zero deaths from dengue fever by 2030, it will require partnerships not only between governments, but also between the public and private sectors. By building strong partnerships with development partners, philanthropists, NGOs, the private sector, academia, media, and communities, we are able to reach the most remote areas with much-needed healthcare. We are very proud to be a part of this project," he said.

Raman Belayudan, WHO Head of NTD Division, emphasized that in the current environment of limited funding and competing priorities, roles and partnerships that have long-term impact should be prioritized. This means strengthening health systems, building local capacity, and integrating NTD programs into universal health coverage (UHC) and basic health care. Innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance and public-private partnerships can mobilize new resources, he said.

He said, "Country leadership and ownership must be a priority, and while WHO's role is to assist countries with technical guidance and facilitate coordination around national priorities, programs are only sustainable if they are country driven. We need to build country capacity, strengthen surveillance systems, integrate NTD services into routine health care, and train local health care workers."

Fabiana Alves of DNDi said, "Global health funding is under great pressure from multiple crises, including pandemics, conflicts, and the effects of climate change. Increased geopolitical fragmentation complicates the flow and coordination of funds. Despite these challenges, infectious diseases continue to disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where health systems are already overburdened," he noted. Traditional market incentives alone will not secure R&D investments for neglected populations." We need an innovation and manufacturing ecosystem that prioritizes health needs and leads to affordable and accessible treatments," he urged.

Health is a human right," said Mugen Ujiie, Director of Global Outbreak Intelligence at the National Institute for Health Risk Management (JIHS). Everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, but there continue to be huge disparities around the world," he said, noting that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is sending infectious disease experts to outbreak areas.

Looking to the future, we must invest in strong health systems and a well-trained workforce. Even if we have good vaccines, they will not reach people without efficient regulation, a reliable supply chain, sustainable financing, and skilled medical personnel. Japan's contributions, such as dispatching experts and supporting vaccine deployment, play an important role, but governments, international organizations, and pharmaceutical companies must work together to deliver life-saving interventions to vulnerable communities," he stressed.

In her closing remarks, Sachiko Nakagawa, Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ), said, "Balancing the need to promote innovation and ensure access is a pressing issue in promoting a healthier and more equitable future. The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) is committed to contributing to the global community through the creation of innovative medicines and working with key stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against infectious diseases," she said, announcing a side event to be held at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) to be held in Japan in August.

Through this session, the importance of Japan's contribution to the global community, including low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), in the fight against infectious diseases was reaffirmed, as well as the need for strategic partnerships to address future global health challenges. Cooperation among all stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society, is essential to achieve maximum impact with limited resources, and Japan is expected to continue to play an important role in this process.