Access to medicines for children

Abstract

Abstract Background Access to medicines for children remains a serious public health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc). However, many essential medicines are still not covered by National EMLc and not available in some countries. The objective of this work was to examine the current situation with access to essential medicines for children in Armenia and identify changes if compare with the situation in 2013. Methods The Armenian EMLc (AEMLc) of 2013 and 2018, the Lists of medicines authorized in Armenia (for 2013 and the current data), pricelists of main wholesalers and national clinical guidelines for children were analyzed. Results 81.2% of all the active ingredients from WHO EMLc were included in the AEML, 61.5% were authorized and only 56.1% were available on the pharmaceutical market. In 2013, 74.1% of all the active ingredients from WHO EMLc were included in the AEML, 62.0% were authorized and only 56.1% were available on the pharmaceutical market. The results of comparing the new data with those received in 2013 showed that the percentage of essential medicines for children recommended by WHO, which were covered by AEML, has increased; however the percentage of those which are authorized in the country stayed almost unchanged. The percentage of medicines from WHO EMLc (with taking into account pharmaceutical form and dose recommended by WHO), which were included in the current AEML was 57.7%; and authorized in the country - 68.5%. Conclusions Essential medicines for children recommended by WHO, are covered by a medicines supply system for children in Armenia, yet not in full. Political will is important. Development and approval of Armenian EMLc can be considered to be the first step in improving access to medicines for children. Draft of Armenian EMLc is developed and will be submitted to the Ministry of Health together with appropriate recommendations. Key messages Access to essential medicines for children remains a serious problem in Armenia. There is an urgent need in improving the situation, and introducing a National EMLc would be an important strategy aimed to increase supply of essential medicines for children.