Pharmaceutical Policy: International Cooperation

The second half of the 20th century saw a surge in development of medicines and drugs that can treat and cure illness, save lives, and protect communities from the deleterious effects of chronic or preventable disease. Among the challenges faced by the medical and pharmaceutical fields have been the effects from human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), malaria, tuberculosis, infant diarrhea, different types of influenza, and pneumonia. Other challenges have arrived with the rapid pace of modernization and industrialization, especially chronic health problems such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and lung diseases. Access to basic health treatment and medications often makes the difference between life and death, or chronic disease and lifelong health. Providing access to affordable and quality health care necessary to lead a ...