E-DRUG: DFID Consultation-new global Access to Medicines Research Network
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[This is an excellent possibility for E-druggers to influence the global
research agenda on access to essential medicines; I would recommend that
you all fill the questionnaire at www.atmresearchnetworksurvey.co.uk
WB]
UNDERSTANDING ACCESS TO MEDICINES
PROPOSAL FOR A NEW GLOBAL RESEARCH NETWORK: CONSULTATION NOTE
One third of the world's population lacks access to essential medicines.
The factors that contribute to a lack of affordable, quality assured
essential medicines in developing countries are well documented. A
growing evidence base exists on medicine availability, pricing and
affordability (although time series data is limited). A number of
studies have been conducted across different countries to assess the
efficiency of procurement and supply chain management systems and
document stock outs, although these often focus primarily on the public
sector. There is rather less information about medicine quality or
utilisation, though several country-level studies have been conducted.
Most importantly, however, the extent of research and analysis that can
inform appropriate policy and regulatory responses to these challenges
is limited. For instance, very few universities incorporate
pharmaceutical modules into their MPH courses. Similarly, Schools of
Pharmacy focus on technical rather than policy issues. The range of
research providers (academic, non-profit and for-profit) with specific
expertise in medicines research and policy analysis in developing
country settings is relatively limited, with a few main players
dominating the field. Finally, there is a dearth of studies on access to
medicines in developing countries that meet the standards for systematic
review, for example as defined by the Cochrane Collaboration.
With this in mind, the UK Department for International Development
(DFID) is considering the establishment of a global Access to Medicines
Research Network (ATM RN). Although the ATM RN is at an early stage of
development, it is anticipated that it will bring together research
institutions from developed and developing countries, through a
co-ordinated virtual network, to enhance the available evidence on how
to make medicines, especially essential medicines, affordable and
accessible to the poorest populations. It is hoped that the network
would provide an opportunity to attract more institutions into the
pharmaceuticals policy field and boost capacity for research. Over time,
it is intended that the network infrastructure would provide a mechanism
through which multiple funders can commission high-quality, policy
relevant research on access to medicines.
Currently, the ATM RN is expected to be designed to address topics
across the access to medicines agenda - including in areas such as
pricing policies, supply chain mapping, pharmaceutical market structure
and medicines utilisation. It is also expected to support ongoing
efforts by DFID and its development partners to roll out the new global
Medicines Transparency Alliance (MeTA). Phase One of MeTA was launched
globally on 15th May 2008. It will pilot a new multi-stakeholder
approach towards increasing transparency and accountability around the
selection, regulation, procurement, sale and distribution of medicines
in up to seven countries. It is anticipated that MeTA will have a close
relationship with the ATM RN, and that MeTA pilot countries will be able
to draw on the ATM RN for support in the collection, collation, analysis
and dissemination of information about medicines, and in defining
appropriate policies and/or regulations in light of this growing local
evidence base.
The proposed purpose of the ATM RN is to provide a flexible and
responsive mechanism to generate policy-oriented research on issues
affecting poor people's access to medicines. Its proposed goal is to
build an evidence base to support the achievement of MDG 8 Target 17 to
provide access to affordable essential medicines in developing
countries, with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes for poor
people in developing countries.
We anticipate the network being managed by an independent Managing
Organisation (MO), overseen by an Advisory Committee. Research
institutions would be invited to apply to join the network, from the
outset or as the work programme evolves. The MO would contract with
network members to deliver pieces of research or analysis, using ATM RN
core funds (or in the longer term, those of a third party buyer). It is
not anticipated that the research network will fund unsolicited research
proposals. It is also proposed that the MO manage a global medicines
data repository, drawing on a wide range of sources - including MeTA
countries - to compile a searchable reference tool on medicine
affordability, availability and quality.
It is envisaged that this model will deliver a number of outputs,
including:
. Increased access to and dissemination of data on price,
availability and quality of medicines;
. A stronger evidence base on policies and regulatory actions that
can increase access to medicines in developing countries, including the
generation of research that meets the standards for systematic review;
. Development and validation of diagnostic tools to identify
challenges in pharmaceutical systems;
. Improved translation of developing country needs and priorities
into the access to medicines research agenda - i.e. a demand-led
research effort;
. Improved mechanisms for the dissemination and uptake of research
findings to inform policy development and implementation;
. Increased capacity for high-quality pharmaceuticals systems and
policy research, including in developing countries.
To inform the design of the ATM RN DFID is now holding an open
consultation with interested parties. An online survey is available
from 1-30 June. Please take the time to send us your views and comments
by accessing the survey through this link:
www.atmresearchnetworksurvey.co.uk.
If, after completing the survey, you have additional queries regarding
the development of the ATM RN, please address these to Claire Hughes at
DFID
(c-hughes@dfid.gov.uk).