How can we bridge the gap of inequality between donor and recipient, the developing and the developed, the researchers and the researched, to serve the health systems of tomorrow? The four speakers, despite coming from a diversity of backgrounds, made an important contribution to this forum by emphasizing the need for a mutual, supportive partnership between those at either extreme of the inequality gap. Ways of achieving this partnership are closely linked to research on health-related issues and training of a global health workforce, but there is no doubt that further research is crucial to arrive at effective outcomes on both the national and the international level.

Molecular amplification methods, multi-pathogen detection using high-density micro arrays, microbicides that protect women from HIV infection: "Biotech is poised to make an impact on access to health in developing countries." Now that the role of biotechnology as a means to health has been established, we must consider what needs to be done to extend it to developing countries.

The need for sustainable healthcare for people living with HIV/AIDS has had a huge impact on the health sector. Without adequate support, HIV treatment expansion plans put a great deal of strain upon health systems and can at times lead to an overall lack in quality. Finding ways and mechanisms through which to respond to this challenge is vital to ensure that health systems are able to respond effectively to current needs and demands.

The professor of epidemiology at the Swiss Tropical Institute, Christian Lengeler, introduced the session by asking "How can we improve and reach innovative ways of Malaria treatment?" This question was answered by four NGOs working in different African countries.

The global incidence of cancer is on a rise with over 10 million new cancer cases diagnosed per year. More than 6 million annual deaths are attributable to cancer with over 20 million people considered to be living cases of the disease. It is predicted that over the next 20 years, there will be an approximate 200% increase in death rates due to cancer in low-middle income countries. Although the global incidence in high income countries is also rising, the mortality rate is at a slight decline. It is the first time that cancer is on the agenda of this forum, and as the speeches illustrate, the global community has an important role to act upon cancer control.

M. F. Chappuis from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) introduced this session dedicated to the improvement of access to drugs and diagnosis. Four key speakers gave an overall picture of access to the diagnosis of neglected diseases: M. J. Alvar from the Neglected Diseases department of the World Health Organization (WHO); M. Bilenge from the National Human African Tripanosomiasis (HAT) programme, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Brasavil; Ms. Cayreyre from the private medical company Sanofi-Aventis and M. Pecoul from the NGO Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDI). They defined what the tropical diseases and problems issues are such as lack of drugs, diagnosis and needs for sustaining progress.

There is a huge gap between the economic resources people receive and the economic resources that are available for them. The question "Can we deliver?" addresses this issue by analyzing who is providing these resources and who is benefiting from them.

What affects medicine pricing? Which policies and programmes could lower prices and improve access to essential medicines? How do we measure the impact of these interventions? These crucial questions were addressed by a panel of experts, on the basis of the most recent - and often surprising - evidence. And sometimes evidence can trigger changes.