• Much has been written about the system of financing drugs and much thought has been devoted to the central issue of equitable distribution. The resolution on “the revised drug strategy” adopted by consensus on 22 May 1999 at the fifty-second World Health Assembly demonstrates WHO’s will to monitor and analyse the consequences of trade agreements for the pharmaceutical sector and public health, thereby giving priority to health over the economy (Resolution WHA52.19). Many experiments have been conducted in an attempt to put in place alternative solutions. Women need to be incorporated into those as soon as possible. Furthermore, it would be preferable to design, in collaboration with women in the field, some of their proposed solutions. These might be alternative solutions or adaptations of what is already in place. As the main purchasers of medicines for themselves and their children (men, it would appear, take care of themselves), there is no doubt that women can come up with realistic proposals. While it is true that they have little or no money, it is equally true that they have every wish to treat their sick children. They also know how to be resourceful in difficult situations and it has been proven that they repay their debts better than men do. The widely-used system of “tontines” in Africa can be examined from that perspective as well as the system of women’s co-operatives.

• The rational use of drugs depends mainly on proper information. Several experiments have shown that, among disadvantaged, often illiterate populations, messages broadcast on the air waves and simple posters are the most effective means of communication. It would be wise to promote information campaigns geared more specifically to women who spend long hours in health centres, which, unfortunately, can very rarely offer something to listen to or read. However, these messages should be carefully thought out, because “the receiver does not passively receive the meaning; he/she reconstructs it based on context, constraints and multiple strategies. Interactions and incessant negotiations operate around a message. The grassroots social actor, as deprived or dominated as he/she may be, is never a recipient who only has a choice between submission and revolt” (de Sardan, 1990). Given that women are the primary users of medicines, that women are poor but know, because they are obliged to, how to manage their budget, they would certainly be interested in hearing well-prepared information on the financial and medical advantages of essential drugs and try to make the most of it. On another level, women often form groups or associations which can constitute target groups and why not pressure groups? Including women in the design and elaboration phases of projects can only lead to greater efficiency. It would be, therefore, very important to design, in collaboration with women’s groups, a number of information/awareness campaigns, test them and compare their results with those of campaigns designed without women’s collaboration.