E-DRUG: EPN hosts a forum on strengthening pharmaceutical services delivery
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[rather short notice as meeting is 18-19 March. Moderator]
MEDIA ADVISORY
March 15, 2010
EPN HOSTS A FORUM ON STRENGTHENING PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES DELIVERY
Senior executives from Christian Health Associations, Church Based
Pharmaceutical Supply Agencies and International Organisations working in
health and pharmaceutical supply issues, EPN Members from up to 20 countries from across Francophone and Anglophone Africa will attend. In addition agencies involved in funding health and pharmaceutical service delivery, representatives from relevant government ministries are expected. The forum will provide an opportunity for networking and information sharing with major players in health and pharmaceutical service delivery in the region.
The Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN)1 will host its biennial forum on 18th - 19th March 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya at the Sarova Panafric Hotel,
Valley Road. Participants will discuss and deliberate on strategies for
building sustainable pharmaceutical systems and for the delivery of quality
pharmaceutical services within the church sector in order to contribute to
the growing body of knowledge on strengthening of Church Health Systems in
Africa with a particular emphasis on issues that impact on access to
medicines and provision of pharmaceutical services.
The churches play an important role in the delivery of health services in
Africa. However they have not been successful in receiving attention from
national and global policy makers that matches their level of contribution2.
Pharmaceutical service delivery in particular has received little attention
in much of the ongoing Health Systems Strengthening debates. Key areas of
concern include the persisting problem of inadequate pharmaceutical human
resources, insufficient financing for health care and provision of medicines in particular.
Interested journalists will be able to interview some of the high-level
speakers during the forum.
1 Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN) is a Christian, not for profit,
independent network of associations, institutions, and individuals committed to the provision of quality pharmaceutical services as a means to achieving global goals and targets on health and access to medicines.
2 Balabanova, D. et al (2009) Health sector governance and implications for
the private sector. Available on www.resultsfordevelopment.org
Angela Mutegi
Communications Officer
Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN)
CHAK Complex - Musa Gitau road, Off Waiyaki Way, Lavington
P. O. Box 749 - 00606 Sarit Centre
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 254-20-4444832
Fax: 254-20-4441090/4440306
Email: info@epnetwork.org
Web site: www.epnetwork.org
Just and compassionate quality pharmaceutical services for all