E-drug: New GDF websites
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STOP TB.PRESS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY 15 OCTOBER 2001
LAUNCH OF GDF WEBSITES
The Stop TB Partnership Secretariat is pleased to announce the
launch of two new websites: the Global TB Drug Facility (GDF) site
http://www.stoptb.org/GDF/, and the GDF/UN WEBBUY site
www.stoptb.unwebbuy.org, hosted by the Inter-Agency
Procurement Services Office (IAPSO) www.iapso.org.
The Global TB Drug Facility is an initiative of the Stop TB Global
Partnership that became operational in early 2001 following an
injection of seed capital by the Canadian Government. The GDF
supports DOTS expansion by increasing access to high-quality TB
drugs worldwide. Through standardization of drug products, a
bulk-buying procurement system, and a competitive bidding
process, the GDF has managed to slash TB drug prices to just US$
10 for a six-month course of DOTS-the internationally
recommended control strategy for TB.
The Global TB Drug Facility website explains how the GDF came
into being, how Member States can apply to the GDF, the status of
drug supply, details of monitoring arrangements, and online the
latest news and details of upcoming events.
The Inter-Agency Procurement Services Office was appointed as
the official procurement agent for the GDF through a limited
international competitive bidding and selection procedure. IAPSO,
which was established by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) in 1978, is a neutral procurement agent interna-
tionally recognized for its integrity and transparent use of funds.
Visit the Stop TB website for the latest information online of all
Stop TB Partnership activities at www.stoptb.org.
Karen Ciceri
Editor
World Health Organization
CDS/MSU/COM
Tel: +41 22 791 2653
E-mail: cicerik@who.int