<http://international-health.org> WHO Collaborating Center in Pharmaceutical Policy and Boston University Seminar
Antiretroviral Program Management Issues in Low Resource Settings:
A Training Seminar for Policy Makers & Program Managers
August 7 - August 18, 2006
Boston, MA USA
Background
Funding through Global Fund, PEPFAR, and other initiatives has recently transformed AIDS into a treatable disease in developing and transitional countries. Resources such as ARVs and diagnostics are now available; however, rapid scale-up of AIDS treatment programs has not occurred, in part, due to ARV drug management issues. ARV drug management issues include difficulties with pharmaceutical supply systems and logistics, insufficient human resources to provide ART and barriers to ARV adherence.
Seminar Overview
Week One (August 7-11, 2006): Drug Management Key Issues
A description of the various national and international players involved in ARV management will be discussed with recommendations to efficiently coordinate efforts. Specific drug management issues to be covered include:
evidence -based selection of medications, quantification, procurement, pricing, quality assurance, pre-qualification of suppliers and monitoring and evaluation
Week 2 (August 14-18, 2006): ARV Adherence
An overview of adherence issues will be followed by instruction on how to measure ARV adherence. Approaches to improve adherence to AIDS and other chronic diseases will be presented. A field visit to an ARV adherence clinic will allow participants an opportunity and interact with health care practitioners (pharmacists, physicians, nurses, social workers, nutritionists) involved in ARV adherence activities.
Who Should Attend?
Policy makers, ARV Program Managers, and NGO Officials responsible for national and local programs. Social scientists, pharmacists, and other public health professionals interested in ARV management and adherence.
Teaching Methods
Instruction will occur in English. The format will be highly interactive with presentations by international experts followed by facilitated group exercises and discussion. Case studies and guided readings will be provided and substantial preparation is required for each session. A field visit to an ARV Adherence Clinic will be arranged.
Faculty
Brenda Waning, Boston University School of Public Health; Richard Laing MD, World Health Organization, Geneva;
Fees
Conference costs (no academic credit): $1,282 USD includes tuition and materials fee.
For more information, contact Sarah Petty at spetty@bu.edu or by phone (+1)617-638-5234