Improving Medicine Use for Children: A Global Imperative

Abstract

Professionals committed to optimal medical care of children recognize the need to increase future availability of thoroughly validated medicinal treatments. This will only be achieved through expanded efforts of pediatric clinical pharmacologists and clinical pharmacists equipped with the necessary skills in relevant research and educational methods. Recent research has demonstrated a shortfall in the human resource pool, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries where a majority of children under 14 years of age reside.

Key Challenges in the Search for Innovative Drug Treatments for Special Populations. Converging Needs in Neonatology, Pediatrics, and Medical Genetics

“…As concluded in a recent parallel publication, and paraphrased here: “A process of targeted strategic planning should be undertaken with potential supporters of clinical training programs to heighten the focus on clinical investigation in areas of priority concern, such as neonatology, mental health, neurology, genetics/rare disorders, communicable disease and oncology” [ 12 ].…”

“…Most of the necessary capacity is found in highly sophisticated and specialized hospitals located in countries with the highest levels of economic development. This maldistribution of infrastructure will continue to undermine efforts to bring modern innovative therapies to most of the world’s population unless an international integrated action plan is agreed and implemented [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Because the problem has gone unacknowledged, investment in training of key personnel who would be appropriately qualified to address the crisis has been limited. Two recent publications have addressed the worldwide shortfall in individuals qualified to study medicines in children [ 11 , 12 ]. While these studies focused on pediatrics, they did indicate an even more alarming shortfall in neonatology.…”

“…Never have the opportunities been greater than at present for pediatric pharmacologists to achieve treatment breakthroughs of lasting benefit for children building on recent progress [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. However, if such breakthroughs are to be achieved, a more carefully orchestrated approach and integration of expertise from diverse researchers and clinicians will be required [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Drugs for Children

“…Given the rapid growth of the child population in resource‐limited settings, those of us who specialize in pediatric pharmacology must make further efforts to generate knowledge and develop skills in the field of global child health. In this issue, MacLeod discusses widely the state of pediatric pharmacology, and lists five key elements for an overall plan to widen the intersection between pediatric pharmacology and global child health. Some of these five points are not only important from the global child health perspective, but also relevant to the foundation of our discipline.…”