WHO suggests doing research during outbreaks but says little about local researchers’ access to samples or subjects’ access to what’s learned.

Epidemics can threaten everyone on earth, yet responses are not implemented in all regions to contain disease.

When global medical supply chains fail, what should physicians do?

Drug shortages are persistent and serious in the US, affecting care quality and costs. An early warning system could help.

Pharmacists can help limit the threats drug shortages pose to patients.

The WHO has a list of essential medicines. What about medicines that might not get to patients who need them on time?

The Strategic National Stockpile is a national system maintained by the US federal government to deliver medical supplies during emergencies, and it needs administrative changes.

Recent increases in the frequency of shortages require more rationing by clinicians.

Reliable supply of quality-assured medicines is hard to maintain in refugee camps in low- and middle-income countries with conflict zones.

Antibiotics can be compared to other forms of “tragedy of the commons,” whereby a common good (effective treatment of infections) is jeopardized by individual consumption and lack of stewardship.