WHO works towards universal access to health products by fostering innovation based on public health needs and reinforcing health products selection, use and supply systems. It promotes equitable access by stimulating research and development for health products to treat diseases that predominantly affect the poor and seeking innovative financing systems to fund the research.

WHO provides global leadership to shape the future of health products based on public health needs. WHO is defining a research agenda to respond to future health emergencies and promote innovation for health products to treat diseases that predominantly affect the poor.

WHO supports countries to formulate evidence-based policies and ensure good practice and good governance throughout the supply chain from selecting the right products to using them correctly. It also develops tools to assess situations, monitor and measure progress on access to quality health products.