The vfa is the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies in Germany. The vfa represents the interests of 45 of the world’s leading manufacturers and their more than 100 subsidiaries in health, research and economic policy. The members of the vfa represent around two thirds of the entire German pharmaceutical market and employ over 80,000 people in Germany. More than 17,000 of them work in research and development. The use of modern innovative medicines and vaccines requires a sufficiently strong and reliable healthcare system with trained personnel. Therefore research-based pharmaceutical companies engage in health systems strengthening efforts in many countries. In addition the vfa is a co-founder and member of the German Network against Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNTDs).