The MMS Symposium, organized by Netzwerk Medicus Mundi Schweiz, will be held at Volkshaus Basel in Switzerland. This event aims to address critical issues regarding the commercial determinants of health, particularly focusing on how economic interests affect health equity across the globe. Participants will engage in discussions about the significant impact of the availability and cost of medicines on populations and health systems, with a particular emphasis on life-saving medications like insulin. Despite having been discovered over a century ago, insulin remains inaccessible in many regions due to high prices and supply chain disruptions, especially in low- and middle-income countries as well as among vulnerable populations in high-income areas.

The symposium will delve into the influence of transnational corporations and their economic power on health outcomes, often operating in ways that are not immediately visible. Through a collaborative approach involving politics, science, and civil society, the MMS Symposium will explore solutions to the growing health inequalities exacerbated by one-sided economic interests. The discussions will aim to foster sustainable, inclusive solutions that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that no one is left behind. With an expected audience reach that includes participants from Zimbabwe, the symposium is poised to generate meaningful dialogue and actionable insights to tackle these pressing global health challenges.