The world drug situation

Abstract

This report provides a systematic description of the drug situation at global and national levels in both the public and private sectors. It is divided into two parts. Part I describes the situation of supply and demand at the global level, i.e., the patterns of production and consuption of drugs throughout the world. Part II describe the situation in 104 developing countries, using a selected set of indicators to monitor their status with regard to the availability os safe, effective, low-cost drugs, the rational use of drugs, and the existence os a local pharmaceutical industry. The situation in a few individual countries is described in more detail, to ilustrate significant trends and the principal issues and obstacles faced by countries in implementing an essential drugs policy