MALAWI GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PROGRESS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR IN MALAWI

ByDr Charles Mwansambo

Secretary for Health

20th May, 2013World Health Assembly Side Event

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

PRESENTATION OUTLINE Introduction Key Achievements in implementation of

Good Governance in the Pharmaceutical in Malawi

Reasons for the Achievements Challenges Lessons learnt Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION - CONTINUED

Malawi is in the Southern part of Africa. Sharing international borders with Mozambique to the south, Zambia to the west and Tanzania to the north

Estimated population of about 15 million people

GOOD GOVERNANCE IN MEDICINES IMPLEMENTATION

Malawi with support from the WHO has completed phase I and Phase II of the Good Governance in Pharmaceuticals.

Now Malawi moving onto Phase III

Key achievements 2011–2012

Training of Good Governance in Medicines (GGM) team completed

Development of Good Governance in Medicines (GGM) Frame Work completed

The Framework now awaits launch end October 2013

REASONS FOR SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAMME

Technical as well as financial support has always been available from country and WHO Geneva offices.

The national GGM Team has been together for a long time.

Collaborations with local anti corruption agencies including the Police.

CHALLENGES

Inadequate budget lines for the operations of the programme.

Limited local pharmaceutical manufacturing base. Over reliance on imported medicines brings in its own problems in the procurement as well as other pharmaceutical systems.

CHALLENGES CONTINUED

Inadequate capacity at the Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board to enforce legislation and regulations relating to control of medicines in Malawi.

Inadequate funding to the health sector which lead to consistent shortage of essential drugs and medical supplies at service delivery points.

LESSONS LEARNED

Good Governance infrastructure is achievable, what is required is commitment and patience.

Commitment should be by both GGM Teams and our Governments.

Effective coordination of the GGM programme requires a dedicated team of trained individuals and logistical support.

LESSONS LEARNED CONTINUED

To promote and ensure transparency and good governance practices in Malawi the GGM programme will be managed by the Drugs and Medical Supplies Technical Working Group (TWG) in the SWAp and also the National GGM Committee.

NEXT STEPS IN MALAWI GGM PROGRAMME

Follow the planning matrix which has been developed

Continue with campaigns and development of guidelines including conflict of interest

Build national capacity for good governance in medicines regulation and supply management systems

EXPECTATIONS FROM THE WHO

We expect country and Geneva WHO offices to continue guiding us, giving us the much needed support both technical and financial which will lead us into successful implementation of Phase III of the GGM.

CONCLUSION

The Government of Malawi understands the importance of Good Governance in pharmaceuticals and hence is committed to full implementation of the GGM with the aim of improving health services in the country

THANK YOU