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Equitable and universal access to essential medicines is a vital aspect of any health strategy in resource-limited settings. This document provides a framework of action for policy makers, highlighting the key objectives of successful essential drugs programmes: rational selection and use of essential medicines; affordable prices; sustainable financing; reliable supply systems

This leaflet looks at why medicines need to be regulated and the elements involved in making sure that regulation is effective

This guide provides guidance to doctors, pharmacists, hospital managers and other professionals who may be serving on Drug and Therapeutics Committees (DTCs) and/or who are concerned with how to improve the quality and cost efficiency of therapeutic care. It is relevant for all kinds of DTCs - whether in public or private hospitals and whether at district or tertiary referral level. This manual covers a committee's functions and structure, the medicines formulary process, and how to assess new medicines. The chapters on tools to investigate drug use and strategies to promote rational use are followed by a discussion of antimicrobial resistance and infection control. The publication concludes by explaining in detail how to start a committee or improve the effectiveness of an existing one

The Doha declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health affirmed that the TRIPS Agreement should be interpreted and implemented so as to protect public health and promote access to medicines for all. This paper provides an overview of the Declaration's antecedents, offers a general treatment of its provisions, provides guidance to WTO members in finding solutions to problems it poses, and discusses related issues that are not covered in the Declaration

This document provides information on WHO's policy and strategy towards traditional medicine. It also highlights key sources of further information