E-DRUG: shortage of ACT for malaria (2)
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" Maybe we should also discuss how the international community got into this crisis, and what could have been done to prevent this? The debate is open! WB]"
The above statement should not be left without in-depth discussion. What are the roles and responsibilities at the different levels including those relating to provision of technical advice vis a vis going down to implementation.
While prequalification is being done and arrangements are made with the different manufacturers what are the factors that are in-built to ensure adequate supply in normal malarial endemicity or upsurge in cases of increased prevalence/incidences which may be due to various factors- epidemiological as well as environmental and climatic.
The WHO statement is not explicit on what should be done where such shortages exist. I would have been happier if by saying WHO will offer technical assistance to any country facing interrupted supply, the kind of assistance should have been mentioned. In any case a shortage has occurred, why not offer the technical assistance to prevent shortages rather than being reactive than proactive.
There is a danger in dealing with one supplier who cannot ensure adequate buffer for a global programme and on behalf of an organisation such as WHO. The situation may get worse when the Global Fund insists on usage of WHO prequalified ACTs after all only one has been prequalified so no competition and the manufacturer can afford to be complacent.
I may come back to it later on.
N/B. The opinion expressed is purely personal and does not reflect that of LWF
Christine Wendo
Email: adhis@yahoo.co.uk