Table 1 The relationship between the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and medical supply chains [1]

MDG 4. Reduce child mortality

Pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and AIDS account for 43 per cent of all deaths in under-fives with most of these lives saved through low-cost prevention and treatment measures including antibiotics for acute respiratory infections, oral rehydration for diarrhoea, and immunisation.

MDG 5. Improve maternal health

More than 80 per cent of maternal deaths are caused by conditions such as haemorrhage, sepsis, and hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, each requiring medication and the use of medical sundries. It is estimated that meeting the unmet needs for contraception alone could cut, by almost a third, the number of maternal deaths.

MDG 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

Each disease has medication as part of the treatment protocol.

MDG 8. Develop a global partnership for development

In cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable essential medicines in developing countries.