We need to remember at this point that ensuring that people have access to drugs is more than just making them available in the area where they live or come for treatment. People need to be able to afford the drugs that are available and they need to get them in a way that is suited to their individual needs - i.e., the drugs have to be dispensed correctly. They also need the right information about their drugs and a means of transport so that they can obtain them and use them for as long as necessary.

This key stage of treatment access therefore depends not only on the mechanical processes of moving drugs around and putting them in containers with labels and instructions. It also requires good communication by health workers and encouragement for patients to make the best of their treatment and seek advice about any problems that arise with the treatment. Once again, the importance of interaction between human, financial and material resources is clear, especially in the field of treatment for HIV/AIDS-related illness when people are faced with many social and economic challenges as well as their health problems.