As the population ages, the demand will continue
to rise for medications that are used to
delay and treat chronic diseases, alleviate pain
and improve quality of life. This calls for a
renewed effort to increase affordable access to
essential safe medications and to better ensure
the appropriate, cost-effective use of current
and new drugs. Partners in this effort need to
include governments, health professionals, the
pharmaceutical industry, traditional healers,
employers and organizations representing
older people.