Ensuring access to affordable medicines
By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados

As many countries in the region have been affected by the delay or lack of essential medicines -being excessive pricing a major issue of concern- the meeting discussed options to ensure access to affordable medicines, including how governments can put in practice strategies to enhance local production and public procurement at affordable prices. It was an opportunity for policymakers from different areas and countries to exchange views and seek cooperation at the regional and international levels.
“We are going to strengthen the inter-institutional relationship to facilitate access to medicines. We will develop more knowledge and work to eliminate barriers that hinder the access of medicines to the population”, said Verónica López Moreno, part of Nicaragua’s Health Ministry.
The meeting was organized by the South Centre, an intergovernmental policy research think-tank composed of and accountable to developing country member states. It conducts policy-oriented research on key policy development issues, and supports developing countries to effectively participate in international negotiating processes that are relevant to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
