Regional Strategy for Improving Access to Essential Medicines in the Western Pacific Region 2005-2010

This strategy is designed to reinforce national medicines policies and existing tools and guidelines such as essential medicines lists and standard treatment guidelines. It also examines such issues as sustainable financing and pricing mechanisms and analyses the effects of trade globalization and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS agreement). It proposes strategic options and actions to improve access to essential medicines.