E-DRUG: Development of noncommunicable diseases emergency (NCD) health kit
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Dear e-druggers,
I would like to share information about an important project lead by WHO-
EMRO and in which I have been working during the last 2 years.
Currently we are carrying out M&E activities in Syria and Iraq to prepare
for the NCD kit revision and conclusions of its use.
A full list of items already present in the piloted kits could be available
under demand.
Any comments or ideas are welcome.
Best
Mauricio Aragno
International Pharmacy Consultant
Noncommunicable Diseases Management Unit (NCM)
WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO)
Email: mauriaragno@gmail.com
Abstract
The noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) emergency health kit was developed in
response to the growing prevalence of NCDs in low and middle-income countries. Under conditions of conflict or following natural disasters, regular treatment
of this category of diseases is often disrupted and rarely prioritized. This leads to greater morbidity and mortality both in the short and long term.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) has both a high incidence of NCDs and currently is the site of several major conflicts and hosts most of the world's refugees.
Therefore, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean initiated the development of the NCD emergency health kit to provide a structured set of medications, equipment and renewables to supply the needs of a population of 10 000 people over a period of 3 months following disruption of normal medical services. This report discusses the rationale and anticipated use of the NCD emergency health kit followed by the selection criteria, structure, content and
quantification process of the kit.
Finally, the next steps are examined, including the procurement, logistics and monitoring and evaluation process of the kit.