THE WORKSHOP BROUGHT EXPERTS TOGETHER to explore the often complex questions involved in ensuring access to existing essential drugs at prices affordable in poor countries and adequate financing for this purpose while providing adequate incentives for R&D into new drugs. In addition to the views of individual academic, legal and consultancy experts, the perspectives of governments, manufacturers from both the research-based and generic industry, non-governmental organizations concerned with health, and intergovernmental organizations were heard in presentations and discussions.

This report summarizes the principal issues identified and points made. It cannot, by its very nature, provide a complete record of the totality of what was a rich discussion. The programme for the workshop can be found annexed to this report as can be a list of the participants. Presentations made at the workshop will be available through WHO and WTO web sites where texts have been provided.