WHO MEDICINES STRATEGY 2004-2007 | 110Figure 25:Harmonization activities supported by WHO*••• •*•ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations:Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, VietnamICH (International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for the Registration of PharmaceuticalsHuman Use): European Union, Japan, USAMERCOSUR (created in 1991 with the signing of the Treaty of Asuncion):Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, UruguayPANDRA (Pan American Network for Drug Regulatory Harmonization)All the countries of the AmericasSADC (Southern African Development Community): Angola, Botswana, Congo Demoractic Republic, Lesotho, Malawi,Mauritius, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia, ZimbabweUEMOA (Monitory and Economic Union of West Africa)Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Maili, Niger, Senegal, TogoMeeting the challenges 2004-2007Over the next four years WHO will:> continue to promote and monitor networkingand harmonization efforts both regionally and<strong>int</strong>ernationally.> continue to provide technical assistance topromising harmonization initiatives.> increase its capacity to deliver technicalassistance through increased collaboration,partnerships, and alliances with othertechnical organizations such as thePharmaceutical Inspection Co-operationScheme.> continue its observer and/or facilitator rolein <strong>int</strong>ernational groups on harmonization,including ICH, to ensure that the viewsand needs of all countries are properlyrepresented.OUTCOME INDICATORS1999 2003 2007No. of countries participating in harmonization initiativessupported financially and technically by WHO#REPORTING % TARGET#REPORTING % TARGETna na na 15/191 8% 18%
COMPONENTS OF THE STRATEGY | 111Definition of rational use of <strong>medicines</strong>“Patients receive medications appropriateto their clinical needs, in doses that meettheir own individual requirements, foran adequate period of time, and at thelowest cost to them and their community.”(WHO, 1985).COMPONENT 7USING MEDICINES RATIONALLY