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Issues in Drug Access

 For many CAH patients throughout the world, obtaining access to medications is a continuous problem due to expense and availability.  Although drug donations can be effective, they cannot supply all the long-term pharmaceutical needs of developing countries.  Many governments and advocacy organizations are developing and initiating alternative strategies to increase worldwide access to essential medicines. In order to address barriers to drug access, the British government has issued a new report outlining several possible alternatives to improve access (Increasing people’s access to essential medicines in developing countries: a framework for good practice in the pharmaceutical industry, UK Government policy paper, March 2005). The report urges pharmaceutical companies, as well as international organizations, to promote access by considering all of the options available, such as: differential pricing, increasing research and development for diseases affecting developing countries, considering voluntary licenses, and increasing access to essential medicines. 

The World Health Organization maintains a list of essential medicines, which could provide treatment for the majority of diseases.  This bi-annually updated list serves as a recommendation for governments and healthcare organizations.  Although hydrocortisone is on the list, fludrocortisone was taken off during the last review.  CARES Foundation will work with other organizations, such as CLAN, to promote access to medications used for CAH by applying to get fludrocortisone back on the list of essential medicines, and by developing strategies to serve the CAH community worldwide. 

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