during conflicts and natural disasters large quantities of pharmaceuticals are often donated as part of humanitarian assistance. undoubtedly many of the pharmaceuticals save lives and alleviate suffering, but some donations given by wellmeaning but uninformed people may cause problems. pharmaceuticals may arrive past or near their expiry date, may be inappropriate for the needs, be unrecognizable because they are labelled in a foreign language or may have been sent in unwanted quantities. donated pharmaceuticals with a long shelflife may be mismanaged, particularly in the confusion during and after armed conflict or a natural disaster.
