The principal writers of this report were Andrew Creese, Nadine Gasman and Mamadou Mariko. Nadine Gasman produced most of the first draft and began the data collection and analysis. Mamadou Mariko undertook much of the initial data analysis. The chapter on expenditure on medicines was written by Patricia Hernandez and Jean-Pierre Poullier, with data analysis by Chandika Indikadehena. The chapter on rational use of medicines was written by Kathleen Holloway, Salone Tanna and Richard Laing. Warren Kaplan and Eshetu Wondemagegnehu contributed the chapter on regulation. Work on the report was directed by a steering committee comprised of Jonathan Quick, Hans Hogerzeil, Edelisa Carandang and Jörg Hetzke. Comments on the revised draft, and text contributions were gratefully received from Guy Carrin, Abayneh Desta, Marthe Everard, Peter Graaff, Robert Ridley, Budiono Santoso, Bill Savedoff and Kris Weerasuriya. External reviewers were Catherine Hodgkin, Richard Laing, Libby Levison, Felix Lobo, Helene Möller, Dennis Ross-Degnan, Sri Suryawati and Anita Wagner. The report was edited and improved by Sheila Davey. Design and layout were by Renata Kerr. Tables and figures were coordinated by Lisa Greenough and Liz Murray. Lalit Dwivedi and Kath Hurst advised on publication and printing. Katy Bozsoki and Lisa Greenough provided secretarial support. Special thanks are due to Pascale Brudon and Nadine Gasman for showing the way with The World Drug Situation 1988.