Geneva-based organization the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP Foundation) and the Federal Council signed on March 10, 2021, an agreement relating to the privileged status of the organization in Switzerland. By signing this agreement, the Federal Council recognizes the major role played at the international level by GARDP in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

The signing of the agreement represents a significant recognition of GARDP’s mission to develop new treatments for the drug-resistant infections that pose among the greatest threats to global health. GARDP works in close collaboration with the World Health Organization, governments, universities and the private sector to develop and ensure affordable access to these new treatments.

Pursuant to the agreement signed today on behalf of the Federal Council of Switzerland by Ambassador Corinne Cicéron Bühler, Director of the Directorate of Public International Law, and Dr Manica Balasegaram, Executive Director of GARDP, the organization is recognized as having privileged status in Switzerland. The agreement was approved by the Federal Council at its meeting on February 24, 2021.

“The granting of privileged status to the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership is an important recognition of our lifesaving work. This status will help us to accelerate our social mission to ensure that everyone who needs antibiotics receives effective, appropriate and affordable treatment,” said Dr Balasegaram.

“The current pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of preventing health crises,” said Ambassador Cicéron Bühler. “By signing this agreement, Switzerland strengthens its international action in the field of health protection and prevention.”

The signing of the agreement between the Federal Council and GARDP comes at a critical moment. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus the impact of pandemics and the importance of preparedness. It has demonstrated that addressing the pandemic of drug-resistant infections can only be achieved through greater international cooperation and investment.

About GARDP

The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) is a Swiss not-for-profit organization developing new treatments for drug-resistant infections that pose the greatest threat to health. GARDP was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) in 2016 to ensure that everyone who needs antibiotics receives effective and affordable treatment. We aim to develop five new treatments by 2025 to fight drug-resistant infections. GARDP is funded by the governments of Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, as well as Médecins Sans Frontières and private foundations. GARDP is registered under the legal name GARDP Foundation.