Medical products, vaccines and technologies
Evaluation of ECHO's Global Plans 2000 and 2001, Democratic Republic of Congo: report on the drug supply
Delivering a health plan to DR Congo
Authors:
Dr. von Massow
Publisher:
Overseas Development Institute [ES], 2001
The reality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) today is predominated by a complex and chronic emergency situation characterised by intense violence and human suffering in most of the provinces. This report provides an evaluation by independent consultants of ECHO´s Global Plans (GP) within the country. An assessment is provided of the appropriateness of the strategic approach of the 2000 and 2001 ECHO Intervention Plans. The specific evaluation focused on the major elements of an Essential Drug Policy: drug supply and rational use of drugs. The authors argue that it is evident that the situation of the population in DRC is unlikely to change in the short-term and that the assistance of the international donor community and the presence of its humanitarian operators will be necessary to assist the people in their struggle.
The report shows that the GPs' strong financial support directed to avail essential drugs in sufficient quantities, reflects the realisation that the availability of drugs is an indispensable element for any health care system. The quality of care and the user rate will rise wherever user contribution and reliable drug supply become a constituent factor. The results also show that the majority of all NGOs do not take drug quality considerations seriously. The authors highlight how in their research budgeting for health costs, management and organisation of drug systems, and effective community participation seem to be topics of common interest. It is recommended that a sustainable strategy for the (re-) installation of a public private mixed non-profit health care delivery system should be developed. In this context, the common rules of economy have to be applied. All activities should be adjusted in a way that a continuous transition from ‘urgency’ to ‘rehabilitation’, ‘pre-development’ and finally ‘development’ is taken into account from the very first moment.
