E-DRUG: TB-treatment in Cameroon (2)
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Just like most other countries Cameroon has a defined treatment schedule.
I am not aware of the most recent amendments, but it used to be in line
with WHO guidelines and since the current Minister for Health is the former
Director of WHO-AFRO office, there is no reason to believe that they no
longer fall in line with WHO-recommendations.
Therefore my estimate of actual cost of a full course for DOT to be given
to TB-patients would cost about 40 dollars (worldmarket generic-prices).
The drugs used to be available free of charge from the Government (either
Onaphar or from G.E.) Perhaps the new supplier to be approached is now
CENAME, the National importer and distributor of essential drugs.
In case it is clearly established, that tuberculostatics are no longer
available free of charge or in practice virtually inaccessible because of
poor supply and/or bureaucratic obstacles, this would be a reason not only
to approach donors for emergency assistance, but also to start a lobby at
local political and National Ministerial level, to raise the issue and to
change this situation.
WHO might be found a willing and helpfull partner in such a lobby. The
Minister, Prof. Monekosso, is a very understanding and helpfull man. Why
not approach him?
Tom Puls
Memisa Medicus Mundi
Netherlands
Email: puls@memisa.nl [added manually, WB]
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