Shifting Demographics and Clinical Pharmacy/Pharmacology Priorities

Abstract

This chapter addresses ways in which progress made in developed countries can be extended to benefit the much greater number of children resident in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). According to the World Bank (2013), out of a total child population (0–14 years) of 2.5 billion, approximately 331 million are in low-income countries, with 1,342 million in middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, 43 % of 936 million people are under the age of 14 and most of these children live in circumstances where system performance and delivery of essential care are compromised by low availability of fiscal resources required. Perhaps most alarmingly, the number of children living in low-income countries continues to escalate rapidly with no expectation that current trends will suddenly change. We must now give priority consideration to how best to prioritize and encourage research activity that will serve the worldwide needs of newborns, infants, children, and youth.

Children have a right to health and well-being and children who are ill need treatment that is appropriate for the age and stage of developing bodies and mind. Council of Canadian Academies, September 2014 [1].