Panel: Combating SF and improving timely access to quality medicines through regulatory optimization and harmonization

A moderated discussion with WHO representatives and leaders of National Regulatory Agencies across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The session will examine the current state and emerging opportunities for regulatory optimization and harmonization to ensure timely access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines. It will bring together global and regional experts to explore how harmonized frameworks and agile regulatory processes can help combat the proliferation of substandard and falsified (SF) medical products while strengthening public trust in medicines. Panelists will share lessons from ongoing regional convergence initiatives, including those in Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. The session will also highlight how partnerships among WHO, regional networks, and national authorities can enhance supply chain resilience and global health security.