For information only - not an official document

UNIS/OUS/145
23 May 2012

Re-issued as received

Germany pledges EUR 1 million in support of UNIDO's efforts to develop a pharmaceutical industry in Africa

BERLIN, 23 May (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) - Germany's ongoing financial support to developing Africa's pharmaceutical industry will be increased by EUR 1 million.

This was announced today by Dirk Niebel, the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, during a meeting with Kandeh K. Yumkella, the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

"Only a well-functioning African private sector can sustainably improve access to essential medicines for the poor," said Niebel.

"I fully support the African pharmaceutical industry in its efforts to improve its market position and the quality of its products, as well as to strengthen its influence over bureaucratic structures and unfair competition. This is also an important element in our fight against counterfeit drugs, which threaten the local generics industry and endanger human lives around the world."

Since 2006, Germany has contributed over EUR 70 million to develop the African pharmaceutical industry and foster the production of essential medicines, making it by far the most important donor to this cause. UNIDO is Germany's key international partner in the promotion of local pharmaceutical production. The new funding is expected to contribute to the implementation of UNIDO's Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa, a joint endeavor with the African Union Commission.

Director-General Kandeh K. Yumkella also met with parliamentary representatives in the Bundestag to discuss the prospects for Rio+20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 to 22 June.

The German Government said it plans to support the 2013 Vienna Energy Forum hosted by UNIDO, and will organize a joint event with UNIDO during the 2013 World Skills international crafts championship in Leipzig.

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For more information, please contact:

Mikhail Evstafyev
UNIDO Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
Telephone: (+43-1) 26026-5021
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-7329
Email: M.Evstafyev[at]unido.org