Essential medicines
They are medicines that meet basic public health needs. They are distinguished by their high quality, effectiveness and safety. And they must be sufficiently available and at a reasonable price.
The importance of essential medicines for global health
Essential medicines play a pivotal role in promoting public health and raising the level of quality of life. These drugs contribute to:
- Prevention of diseases: such as infectious diseases and epidemics, reducing their spread and impact on communities.
- Treatment of chronic conditions: such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as it helps in managing these diseases and reducing complications.
- Enhance productivity: by reducing periods of absence from work due to illness, which reflects positively on the economy.
Types of essential medicines
- Analgesic and antipyretic drugs: such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, used to relieve pain and fever.
- Antibiotics: such as amoxicillin, used to treat common bacterial infections.
- Chronic disease medications: These include insulin for diabetics and blood pressure medications, which are necessary to manage ongoing health conditions.
- Antivirals: such as medicines to treat HIV (HIV) or hepatitis.
Criteria for inclusion of drugs in the list of essential medicines
- Effectiveness: drugs must be scientifically proven as effective for the treatment of common pathological conditions.
- Safety: they must be safe to use with minimal side effects, with sufficient information available about their use.
- Cost: medicines should be available at affordable prices to ensure universal access to them, taking into account economic and social conditions.
Policies and legislation
Global health requires effective health policies that ensure the availability of essential medicines. These policies should include:
- Development of legislation: to ensure the quality, safety and fair distribution of medicines.
- Monitoring and evaluation: it should include mechanisms to monitor the use of medicines and assess their impact on public health.
Distribution and storage strategies
The fair and effective distribution of essential medicines must be ensured, taking into account:
- Availability of medicines: in all regions, including rural and remote communities.
- Proper storage: to ensure the preservation of the effectiveness and quality of medicines.
Awareness and training
Awareness raising is an essential part of public health strategies. Must:
- Educating communities: about the importance of essential medicines and their proper use.
- Training of healthcare workers: to ensure correct advice is given about medicines and how to administer them.
Future directions
With the constant development in the field of healthcare, the need arises to:
- Support research and development: to create new medicines that meet the needs of changing societies.
- International cooperation: with global and local health organizations to promote access to Essential Medicines and provide them to the communities most in need.
By adhering to these guidelines, access to essential medicines can be promoted and global health improved, contributing to healthier and more prosperous societies.