Improving drug treatment for children: are we making an impact?

At the beginning of 2009, we are on the threshold of mobilizing expertise in child health care and pediatric pharmacy and pharmacology in pursuit of worldwide major improvements in drug therapy for children. Momentum is built on progressive legislation on pediatric drug therapy from the US and Europe and on recent advances promoted by the WHO, including publication of an essential medicines list for children. Opportunities abound for research, educational initiatives, and practice improvements likely to bear early fruit in the form of better pharmacotherapy for children and youth. The most pressing challenge remaining is mobilization of a critical mass of caregivers, pharmacologists, pharmacists, and other child health professionals prepared to address their skills to this critically important task.