Access to medicines is a critical issue in Asia and Africa, with 47% of the African and 65% of the Indian population having no access to essential medicines (WHO 2004). The FRCH is one of the seven partners in a 3-year research project, 'Accessing Medicines in Africa and South Asia' (AMASA), launched in May 2010, funded under the European Union's Framework Programme 7. It aims at a critical overview of the drug scene in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa in the light of World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

The research investigates how the interplay of patent regimes, pharmaceutical regulation, availability of drug production facilities, health care infrastructure, service provision, and engagement by foreign donors influenced appropriate, affordable access to medicines in these regions during the period of 200510. The project examines the production, distribution, supply and consumption of medicines within six key health care areas HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Reproductive Health, Tuberculosis (TB) control, Diabetes and Mental Health.

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The FRCH is doing its bit in this regard. It would :

Develop a framework for research and analysis in India Assess national patterns of pharmaceutical supply chains and regulation in the country Collect data on regulation policy and practice Collect information on availability, prices, patterns of use of selected medicines Interact with all relevant stakeholders

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Findings of the study are expected to guide health policy decisions concerning accessibility, affordability, acceptability and appropriate use of essential medicines in India, with implications that benefit other developing countries and international agencies.

University of Edinburgh, U.K. University of Western Cape, South Africa Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Switzerland University of Ghent, Belgium Mbarara University of Sciences and Technology, Uganda Makerere University, Uganda

Support : European Commission, Brussels. Contact person : Sachin Atre.