Regional director addresses inherited medical knowledge

The resolution urged countries to improve prevention, diagnosis, care and public awareness.

The assembly recognized that people living with sickle cell disease need sustained, accessible care.

The resolution addressed training and support for those affected by sickle cell anaemia.

The WHO regional director issued a message for the fourth annual observance on 31 August 2006.

The observance framed traditional practitioners as part of discussion on access to care across the continent.

The 2006 observance marked a fourth year of continent-wide debate about traditional medicine and health systems.

A government decree enabled import or production of lower-cost versions of the HIV medicine.

The efavirenz decision aimed to protect affordable access within Brazil’s treatment programme.

Compulsory licensing allowed use of a patented medicine under conditions set by law.

The measure concerned efavirenz specifically and did not remove patent protection for every medicine.