Improving the use of medicines by health workers and the general public is crucial both to reducing morbidity and mortality from diseases and to containing drug expenditure. Photo credit: WHOPharmaceutical products - also known as medicines or drugs - are special preparations used in modern and traditional medicine. They are essential for the prevention and treatment of diseases, and protection of public health.

The use of ineffective, poor quality, harmful medicines can lead to therapeutic failure, exacerbation of disease, resistance to medicines and sometimes death. It also undermines confidence in health systems, health professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

Ensuring regular access to good quality, safe and affordable medicines is still a challenge for many countries. The WHO Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean provides relevant expertise and technical assistance for Member States in the Region in the areas of quality assurance, regulation and legislation, safety and efficacy of medicines.