Guidelines for use of pharmaceutical products in special groups, such as pregnant women, children, elderly and ethnic minorities are important and needed. The only guidelines currently available are ICH Guidelines for the Elderly.

1. WHO, in collaboration with the ICH, should actively disseminate existing guidelines and integrate them into regional educational and training activities.

2. Existing guidelines should be revised and modified according to individual medical practice, health care systems and other local factors, including use in drug monitoring systems, studies in HIV-infected populations, etc.