For those organizations that would like to comment to WHO directly here is the address:

Mr Bas van der Heide

Health Action International

Jacob van Lennepkade 334-T

1053 NJ Amsterdam

Pays Bas

11 October 1999

Dear Mr van der Heide,

WHO is in the process of updating its guidelines concerning interaction with commercial enterprises. It is hoped that the new guidelines will contribute to openness and public confidence in our dealings with the private sector while enabling innovative and positive approaches to our cooperation and partnership.

We have initiated a broad consultation process to seek the views of al interested parties on the guidelines. We would therefore be most appreciative of any comments you may have on the attached draft document. We would be grateful for comments before the end of December 1999. Final guidelines will be produced subsequently.

French and Spanish versions of the draft will be available shortly.

I look forward to hearing your views.

Yours sincerely,

Denis Aitken

Senior Policy Adviser and

Chairman, Committee on Private Sector Collaboration

Encl. Guidelines on Interaction with Commercial Enterprises (preliminary / July 1999)