WHO has been establishing an essential medicines list for over 3 decades. More recently, the list(s) have undergone refinement/focus to more specific patient populations and ultimately disease states. SIOP has been working with WHO to provide input into the Essential Medicines list for children with Cancer; and then works in an advocacy role targeting NGO's and Pharmaceutical Industry to make access to these medicines a reality.
Impact
With infant and childhood mortality steadily declining in low income countries; cancer is rapidly advancing as a significant cause of mortality in children in the developing world. SIOP and WHO are collaborating to improve access to Essential medicines for this population to impact on mortality and quality of life of children diagnosed with cancer.
Student Experience
Fosters an understanding of health care infrastructure and resources across a range of countries of varying socio-economic development.
