We recently interviewed Jens Geier, Member of the European Parliament (MEP). We discussed his work and his views on global health research and development.
The European Union is a front runner in international efforts to eradicate poverty-related and neglected diseases (PRNDs) such as HIV & AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other neglected infectious diseases. What role do you think the European Parliament should play in continuing and growing this leadership over the next 5 years?
I hope the Parliament – and especially the ITRE Committee – continues the excellent work in this field. The Parliament is united in its demand for a more ambitious budget of 120 billion euros for Horizon Europe. We want to make sure that the Commission accelerates the implementation of its annual budgets in critical areas such as research and innovation (R&I) or international development and cooperation, where it has lagged behind in recent years [1]. The Parliament would also like to have a strong say in the drafting of the Strategic Plan for R&I, as well as shaping the future R&I European partnerships and missions. This has been promised to us by the European Commission, but we have not yet received any information or details. Inter-institutional dialogue has already started in this area, but we believe there is still leeway to ensure more meaningful involvement of the only EU institution directly elected by its citizens.
Among the 14 candidates for R&I Partnerships, the European Commission has proposed one on EU-Africa Global Health that would ensure the continuation of the mission of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). While the Parliament has not been officially consulted on this topic yet, what would you like to see in this potential candidate?
Over the last few years, Africa-EU relations have been hijacked by concerns on migration. The reality is that factors such as poverty, disease and lack of opportunity are at the heart of this challenge. EDCTP has done an outstanding job in demonstrating that African countries can be equal partners in this sector, which contributes to Europe’s and Africa’s competitiveness. R&I also offers a great opportunity for sustainable development by providing innovative solutions to societal challenges. The EU must harness the potential of R&I in its relations with Africa or it risks losing a vital partner. The Commission proposal for an EU-Africa Global Health Partnership is an important step in the right direction, because tackling global challenges such as poverty-related diseases requires fostering partnerships with PRND-endemic countries, sustained and predictable investments and most importantly, ambition! I look forward to discussing this initiative in the ITRE Committee once the Commission puts forward a draft legislative proposal.
On September 12, the European Commission organised a Global Vaccination Summit to underline the importance of this life-saving technology and showcase the global successes in public health in the last decades. Many speakers argued that politicians and stakeholders have to do a better job in advocating the benefits and safety of vaccines and other critical health technologies. Would you agree? And if so, how could we do that?
The Parliament, and the EU overall can do more – and better – to explain the scientific evidence behind, and demonstrate the societal benefits of these technologies. The EU is doing a lot of good work in this area. For example, more than two-thirds of new tuberculosis vaccine candidates in the R&I pipeline are developed by European companies and many have received EU funding. A new vaccine in this area would save millions of lives worldwide and create positive social and economic benefits, especially in low and middle-income countries [2]. Also in Europe, where it is not yet a disease of the past. Having the right tools is an important step, but we also need to empower stakeholders, in particular patients, to make informed choices – such as vaccinating – to improve public health. We need to fight unfortunately still widespread myths about vaccines being harmful to people, and work to improve public acceptance. This is vital to win the fight against many diseases which could be eliminated with global vaccination programmes.
