Evolution in Drug Access
Treatment and curative medical care often require medication. This chapter focuses on the provision of medications in impoverished settings and the challenges that inhibit access to life-saving drugs. It will review the failure of the for-profit market to increase drug access for the poor. The evolving concept of essential drugs will be explored by reviewing the history the WHO Essential Medicines List (EML) and the fight to expand the list to include new, and often patented medicines. The international treaties and policies that impact drug availability will be highlighted as will novel systems for drug development and distribution. Finally, the chapter will highlight the growing movement to decrease costs, increase supply, and advance development of drugs for neglected diseases affecting impoverished people.