Real barriers to access

Insufficient health financing - the inability to pay for medicines and health care services - is one of the most significant barriers hindering patient access to medicines and other health care, especially in middle- and low-income countries.

Infrastructure, such as roads and systems to distribute medicines, is the backbone of any health care system. Unfortunately, communities around the world lack the needed infrastructure to access treatments and services, particularly the patients who need care the most.

The health care supply chain, which delivers medicines from the manufacturer to the patients, is a complex web of organizations, people, technology, activities, information and resources. It spans international, national and local levels. In under-resourced and developing regions, supply chain issues prevent patient access to needed medicines.

The health care supply chain, which delivers medicines from the manufacturer to the patients, is a complex web of organizations, people, technology, activities, information and resources. It spans international, national and local levels. In under-resourced and developing regions, supply chain issues prevent patient access to needed medicines.

Around the world, patients are not getting the health education they need to help improve their access to medicines. Challenges arise when patients can't get vital information, receive guidance that is too technical or struggle to navigate the complex health care system. There is a clear need to address key issues around patient education and health literacy to remove these barriers.

The demand for health workers is estimated to far outpace supply levels needed to sustain adequate access to essential health services, treatments and medicines. This shortage will cause a true burden for patients worldwide - especially in Africa and Asia.