Alice Beck

📢 Curious about what’s worked — and what hasn’t — in medicine transparency initiatives? /1

Join us next week as we explore lessons from Europe and Africa on how to make medicine pricing systems more transparent and accountable: shorturl.at/mv8YD

#GlobalHealth #WHA78 #IDsky 💊🌐

Last week, reports circulated of the risks of misuse of data by period tracking apps. In a new blog, @aliceebeck.bsky.social and @hvkolfschooten.bsky.social argue that the #EU must do more to protect consumers (and their private data) from harmful practices. Read it here: haiweb.org/period-track...

A big thank you to all who joined us and @wemos.org in The Hague last week for the Netherlands launch of our joint report "Pharmaceutical transparency: from resolution to reality" looking at the state of implementation of WHO transparency resolution WHA72.8. Read it here: haiweb.org/publication/...

Menstrual tracking app users cautioned by Cambridge researchers Women deserve better than to have their menstrual data treated as consumer data, say researchers.

www.bbc.com/news/article...

The research team called for better governance of the "femtech" industry, improved data security of these apps and the introduction of "meaningful consent options".

"Gilead is employing evergreening tactics to extend its
monopoly on lenacapavir. This involves staggering patent filings and securing additional patents on modifications, different forms or new uses of an existing compound to prolong rights beyond the primary patent."

www.twn.my/title2/brief...

This is separate to their broader consultation on the QRD template (consultation open until end of August): www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-reg...

Just a few days left to provide input to EMA's survey on a key information section on medicine package leaflets, see here: ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/run...

Accelerating progress on essential medicines: a new Lancet Commission There is no equity in access to basic health care. The latest biennial report on universal health coverage reported that in 2021 4·5 billion people—about half the world's population—had no access to b...

There is no #equity in #access to basic #health care. The latest biennial report on #UHC reported that in 2021 4·5 billion people—about half the world's population—had no access to basic health services, and progress has stalled since 2019. @thelancet.com www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...

Discussions on transparency continuing today through an event organised by @keiwashdc.bsky.social - great to hear national experiences from South Africa. #WHA78

Insightful and interesting event from @gchalliance.bsky.social on how to break free from fossil fuel influence - important reflections to take forward on effective communication strategies. #ClimateAndHealth #WHA78

In the six years since its adoption, what is the state of implementation of @who.int transparency resolution WHA72.8? In a report launched today at #WHA78, HAI and @wemos.org take stock, assess progress and give recommendations for stakeholders.

Read the report here: haiweb.org/publication/...

Join HAI and @wemos.org during #WHA78 for a side event to mark the launch of our joint report 'Pharmaceutical transparency: from resolution to reality', highlighting steps taken to implement WHA resolution 72.8.
📆21 May, 07.30-09.00, Warwick Hotel, Geneva. Register here: forms.gle/Vdg6gsr7PqVM...

In a @bmj.com Response, @nicolegross.bsky.social, @aliceebeck.bsky.social &I argue that important gaps remain in the EU AI Act when it comes to the protection of patients' rights. Such regulatory pitfalls risk undermining public trust, safety, and equity ➡️ Read lnkd.in/eedZMKZY @hai-org.bsky.social

Your ‘ethical’ pension plan could be funding Israeli human rights abuses Investors who choose to put their money in ‘ethical’ or ‘socially responsible’ plans could be directly funding Israeli human rights abuses in Gaza and the West Bank. This is because major advisory fir...

Investors who opt for ‘ethical’ or ‘socially responsible’ plans may end up funding firms linked to Israeli human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Two advisory firms, under pressure from pro-Israel lobbying, no longer flag allegations of such violations in their assessments.

Out now in EYHR: 𝐀 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞: 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥. How can doctors & informal carers make informed decisions about AI tools in a way that respects patients’ rights? papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....

HAI welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on the #PandemicAgreement. However, this is not the end of the process and efforts from all parties will now be needed to ensure ratification, implementation and adaptation to local and regional realities. Read our statement: haiweb.org/media-resour...

Genetic data is an another asset to be exploited – beware who has yours | John Naughton The bankruptcy of genealogy company 23andMe has resulted in a fire sale of millions of people’s genetic information – and there’s no shortage of eager buyers with questionable motives

It is good to be reminded that genetic data also forms part of health data under the European Health Data Space, hence it is of upmost importance that Member States take strong steps to ensure the privacy of such unique data. www.theguardian.com/science/2025...

As technology evolves, the use of chatbots for mental health support is gaining traction. But what do people really think? We took to the streets of Amsterdam to gather genuine opinions. Check out some of their thoughts and watch the full video from 16 April: lnkd.in/eKqn3dNU

Doctor explains how artificial intelligence is already being deployed in medical care | CNN The use of AI applications in medical care is growing. Dr. Leana Wen explains the uses of AI that could improve care — and the reasons for continued caution.

"There are, though, concerns that these models could “hallucinate” and come up with responses that are misleading and inaccurate. And with both predictive and generative #AI, how well the models work depends on what data they were trained on". edition.cnn.com/2025/03/27/h...

to learn from each other's experiences in bringing about political change and help reinforce each other's work. (2/2)

I echo the concerns of others that this would be PR for Labour. I would prioritise closed-door conversations first. However, and I assume you have considered this, but it would be worth linking to other orgs or peeps working on these issues (1/2)

AI failed to detect critical health conditions: study AI systems designed to predict the likelihood of a hospitalized patient dying aren't detecting worsening health conditions.

" #AI systems designed to predict the likelihood of a hospitalized patient dying largely aren't detecting worsening health conditions, a new study found". www.axios.com/2025/03/12/a...

Global Health and Development Under Attack - Health Action International US President Donald Trump has unleashed an unprecedented assault on global health and development. We explore the potential consequences.

Devastating cuts to aid budgets by the US and others will lead to avoidable deaths, increase the risk of pandemics, sow unrest, instability and insecurity, and ultimately mean a less safe world for us all. The HAI team comments on recent seismic shifts in global health: haiweb.org/global-healt...

Mental health chatbots are just one example of growing investments and innovations in AI used in mental healthcare. This trend raises a number of concerns & risks, prompting important questions about what drives these developments. Find out more in our new page: healthai.haiweb.org/ai-in-mental...

Upholding equity and justice in climate change and health - Health Action International The start of this month was marked by animated discussions at the 156th Session of the WHO Executive Board. Among the many topics up for discussion, the World Health Organization’s draft Global Action...

Climate was high on the agenda at the WHO Executive Board earlier this month as Member States gear up towards agreeing the global action plan on climate change and health. Our new blog argues for putting equity and climate justice at the centre of the ongoing discussion: haiweb.org/upholding-eq...

Are you concerned about how #AI in healthcare affects fundamental rights, and how tech regulation in Europe could address the risks? Read all about our work to ensure trustworthy algorithms and their responsible use in healthcare: ➡️ www.healthai.haiweb.org/

Letter of concern: restrictions on civil society’s activities in the new mandate - EU4health

📣 The #EU4HealthCSA is concerned about restrictions of activities under the #LIFE programme, and potential spillover effects this could have on CSOs from other sectors, including #health.

🔗Read more: eu4health.eu/letter-of-co...

@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu

Climate change is already having a huge impact on health. While #WHO's global action plan on climate and health is a step in the right direction, more specific action is needed to protect populations, especially those already enduring the brunt of climate breakdown. Our statement to #EB156.

EB 156 - Constituency statement of Knowledge Ecology International, Health Action International, World Council of Churches, World Blind, Union, and Oxfam: WHO’s work in health emergencies - Knowledge ... On Thursday, 6 February 2025, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI) delivered this constituency statement on behalf of KEI, Health Action International, World Blind Union, World Council of Churches an...

Constituency statement of Knowledge Ecology International, Health Action International, World Council of Churches, World Blind, Union, and Oxfam: WHO’s work in health emergencies. (Photo taken by Pedro Villardi, Population Services International). @who.int #EB156