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As defined by the World Health Organization, essential drugs are those drugs that meet the health needs of the majority of the population. By selecting a limited number of essential drugs for their health programs, countries and facilities can improve their supply of drugs, lower their costs, and promote their rational use. Nevertheless, pharmaceuticals are often used inappropriately.
The International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD) was established in 1989 to design, test, and disseminate effective strategies to improve the way drugs are prescribed, dispensed, and used. The network, comprising 15 member groups, now receives financial support primarily from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Historically, INRUD has been funded by the Danish International Development Agency with ad hoc support from other donors, including the Pew Charitable Trusts, the World Health Organization's Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy and the Swedish International Development Agency.
INRUD is now accepting new membership applications from groups and institutions. Five new member groups, from Kenya, Peru, India-Tamilnadu State, India-Delhi State, and Ethiopia, have recently been accepted. Details of the first four groups were published in the October 2002 issue of INRUD News, and information on the Ethiopian group will be provided in the spring 2003 issue.
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