"The recent Ebola crisis, which has led to more than 11,000 deaths in West Africa, highlighted the need for urgent investment in research and development for diseases where financial returns are not guaranteed. The Panel will also consider infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C, the rising burden of non-communicable disease, and the affordability of health technologies, new and old," the United Nations said in a Thursday statement.
The United Nations called for more focus on the needs of the poorest and marginalized communities in medical research and development.
The UN panel on health technology innovation and access will include 15 members and is expected to hold its first meeting in December 2016. It will present its recommendations to Ban Ki-moon in June 2016.
The panel will be co-chaired by former President of Switzerland Ruth Dreifuss and former President of Botswana Festus Mogae.
