GÖG-Colloquium | Collaborating with WHO to improve affordable access of quality-assured medicines
Ensuring equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable essential medicines remains a key challenge for health systems worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports its Member States through the development of global norms and standards, the strengthening of regulatory systems, and the provision of technical assistance. WHO Collaborating Centres, designated units with recognised expertise in specific fields, contribute to advancing WHO's programme of work.
In July 2026, the Pharmacoeconomics Department at Gesundheit Österreich (GÖG / Austrian National Public Health Institute) was redesignated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement. On the occasion of the redesignation, this colloquium will provide insights into WHO’s activities to support access to medicines and highlight the role of collaboration between WHO and its Collaborating Centres. As an illustrative example, the Centre’s work on biosimilar policies in Europe will be presented to explore opportunities for policy learning and knowledge transfer across countries and regions globally. Biosimilar medicines, as follow-on biological products introduced after patent expiry of the originator medicines and provided at lower prices, can contribute to affordable and sustainable patient access to biological therapies.
Guest speaker
Kiu Siang Tay Teo, PhD, is a Technical Officer at WHO Headquarters, focusing on pharmaceutical pricing policies and market issues. He brings broad experience in health and health economics from clinical practice, academia, industry, consulting and government. He led the 2020 WHO guideline and WHO Academy e learning course on pharmaceutical pricing, and has authored several major WHO reports, including the 2018 cancer medicine pricing report, the 2021 report on access to insulin, and the 2023 report Left behind in pain. He also served in the Fair Pricing secretariat, leading engagement with countries and stakeholders and supporting the organisation of the Fair Pricing Forum.
Welcoming
PD Dr Sabine Vogler, Gesundheit Österreich (GÖG / Austrian National Public Health Institute), Head of the Pharmacoeconomics Department, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies
Moderation
Verena Knoll, MA, Gesundheit Österreich (GÖG / Austrian National Public Health Institute), Pharmacoeconomics Department, WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement