Policy Division
Access To Medicines
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, in Africa and SE Asia, prompt diagnosis and treatment with appropriate medicines could save about 4 million lives a year. One third of the world's population lacks access to essential drugs - rising to over 50% in the poorest countries in Africa and Asia. Drugs typically account for between 60 and 90% of spending on health in poor households. The WHO has identified four key factors affecting access: affordable pricing, sustainable financing, reliable health and supply systems, and the rational selection and use of drugs. The research and development (R&D) of new products is also critical to ensure access to medicines, particularly over the longer term.
Significant international attention is focused on this complex agenda, with
access to anti-retroviral treatment for HIV and AIDS a particularly urgent
issue. The UK Government’s response has been comprehensive. In July 2001, the
Prime Minister established a high-level Working Group on Increasing Access to
Essential Medicines in the Developing World, chaired by Clare Short. The group
reported in November 2002, with recommendations focusing on affordable pricing
and research and development into new medicines. In June 2004, the Government
released
Increasing access to essential medicines in the developing world: UK Government policy and plans
(207
kb) which outlines progress since the Working Group report and sets out the
Government’s priorities for action over the coming years.
This page is designed as a hub of information on DFID policy and knowledge on medicines issues and enables you to:
Frequently asked questions and answers
Key UK Government policy documents:
- The UK Government Response to the Report of the Commission on Intellectual Rights, Innovation and Public Health (September 2007)
- Increasing people's access to essential medicines in developing countries (March 2005)
- Increasing access to essential medicines in the developing world: UK Government policy and plans (June 2004)
- Context paper for the UK Working Group report (January 2003)
- Report of the UK Working Group on Increasing Access to Essential Medicines in the Developing World (November 2002)
DFID Factsheets:
- TB
- Malaria,
- HIV & Aids
- Access to Medicines
Recent studies:
- A country level report on the pharmaceutical sector in India (2008)
- India’s Pharmaceutical Sector in 2008: Emerging Strategies and Global and Local Implications for Access to Medicines (2008)
A Briefing Paper for DFID: Update on China and India and Access to Medicines
- Impact of Public-Private partnerships addressing access to pharmaceuticals in low & middle income countries Botswana
- Access to medicines in under-served markets: what are the implications of changes in intellectual property rights, trade and drug registration policy? Overview paper
Links to other websites:
