The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44875

Ans Timmermans, RPh and Mary Otieno, PhD. Health Unit, International Rescue Committee, 122 E. 42nd Street, 12th floor, New York, NY 10168, 212-551-3068, anst@theirc.org

The development of a standard drug list, construction of a spacious medical stores complex and recruitment of an expatriate pharmacist for training and supervision contributed to the overall improvement in the drug supply system. Later, the introduction of formal procedures in medical logistics and drug management based on "Managing Drug Supply" (MSH) and the handing over of technical supervision to a qualified national pharmacist would follow. Results of those interventions included a significant decrease in average monthly drug consumption, an increased availability of essential drugs at the outlet level, improved storage conditions, a more efficient use of the drug budget, and a better documented and decreased wastage of drugs. The capacity of the local staff in drug management was built and transferring technical supervision skills to a national pharmacist in a relatively short time contributed to sustainability of the program. Constraints included the initial lack of timely access to reliable logistical data for budget and procurement forecasting, uncertain funding, long lead-times for international procurement, the remote work setting in terms of communication and transport, lack of formal quality guarantees of locally purchased drugs and irrational use of drugs.

Lessons learned include that with a little investment in hiring an expert, training staff, and instituting procedures, the drug management system can improve within a short period of time. Some challenges for the future lie in a better coordination in drug management at the field level and in the practical implementation of current global trends in drug management in humanitarian settings.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session, participants will be able to identify the rationale for strong drug management and medical logistics to increase the impact of health programs in the field
• and understand how this is in sync with current global developments in drug management.

Keywords: Drugs, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: International Rescue Committee
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.