Essential drugs and medicines policy

Mission

The mission of the country Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy (EDM) program is rooted in the over all WHO mission in medicines which is 'to help save lives and improve health by closing the huge gap between the potential that essential drugs have to offer and the reality that for millions of people-particularly the poor and disadvantaged- medicines are unavailable, unaffordable, unsafely used'. The country EDM program aims to enhance the implementation of the AFRO intensified drug program and more generally the WHO medicine strategy. It works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners to identify needs and priorities; plan, implement and monitor action in the pharmaceutical sector including traditional medicine.

The concept of essential medicines

Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. They are selected with due regard to public health relevance, evidence on efficacy and safety and comparative cost effectiveness. Essential medicines are intended to be available within the context of functioning health systems at all times in adequate amounts, in the appropriate dosage forms, with assured quality and adequate information, and at a price the individual and the community can afford. The implementation of the concept of essential medicines is intended to be flexible and adaptable to many different situations; exactly which medicines are regarded as essential remains a national responsibility.

The concept of essential medicines is that a limited number of carefully selected medicines based on agreed clinical guidelines leads to a more rational prescribing, to better supply of drugs and lower costs.

The practical implication of the essential medicines concept is that national essential medicines lists and national drug formularies, together with clinical guidelines, should serve as a basis of formal education and in-service training of health professionals, and of public education about drug use. They should also serve as the main basis for public sector drug procurement and distribution, as well as for drug donations.

Essential medicines lists and teaching about the benefits of drug selection could also be used to influence practice in the private sector, for example through the basic training of medical students, and programs of continuing medical education with universities and professional associations.

Medicines strategy

The WHO medicines strategy provides a framework for coordinated action in essential drugs and medicines by WHO and its strategic partners. WHO is in the process of developing its medicines strategy for the period 2004-2007. It is envisaged that the strategy addresses four major objectives:

Policy

Ensure commitment of all stakeholders to national drug policies, to coordinated implementation, and to monitoring of policy impact.

Access

Ensure equitable availability and affordability of essential drugs, with an emphasis on diseases of priority.

Quality and safety

Ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of all medicines by strengthening and putting in to practice regulatory and quality assurance standards.

Rational use

Ensure therapeutically sound and cost effective use of drugs by health professionals and consumers.

Detailed planning elements of the strategy will be published when approve