Institutionalizing Robust Quantification Processes and Tools within Guinea’s National Malaria Control Program

By Claude Bahati, Deputy Country Project Director, SIAPS, Guinea Accurate quantification for malaria programs, which involves forecasting the quantities needed and planning for the procurement of appropriate pharmaceuticals and supplies, is essential to ensuring that patients receive a continuous supply of commodities. The US Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals … Read more

SIAPS closes in Ethiopia

On 17 March 2017, SIAPS Ethiopia held a closing ceremony in Addis Ababa. Guests from partner government and non-government organizations, USAID, universities and health facilities were present at the event and expressed their appreciation for the systems strengthening work SIAPS has done in Ethiopia. SIAPS has been in Ethiopia for the last five years working … Read more

Introduction of new TB medicines and regimens: An opportunity to strengthen pharmaceutical systems

New medicines and regimens, such as bedaquiline, delamanid, and the newly approved short course regimen, are an exciting development given that first- and second-line TB medicines have limited efficacy and potentially serious adverse effects. With the introduction of new TB medicines and regimens, some countries may target only the minimum WHO-recommended conditions (i.e., proper patient … Read more

Improving patient safety and building stronger health systems in Georgia

TB patients on second-line treatment experience a significant number of adverse effects. Some TB medicines result in adverse effects that, if not continuously monitored, can become serious and/or permanent and may hinder patient adherence to treatment. A number of other risk factors can also impact the safety of patients taking TB medicines, including drug interactions … Read more

SIAPS launches four hospital DTCs in Sierra Leone

The USAID-funded SIAPS Program expanded its ongoing pharmaceutical sector strengthening interventions in Sierra Leone to include Drug and Therapeutics Committees (DTCs). DTCs were officially launched in the Connaught, Ola During Children’s, Makeni Government, and PCM hospitals at an event in March 2017 in Freetown. An additional 20 hospitals throughout the country are scheduled to implement … Read more

Improving data for decision making: Philippines adopts SIAPS-developed Pharmacovigilance Monitoring System

With the introduction of new anti-tuberculosis (TB) medicines and novel TB treatment regimens in the Philippines, active pharmacovigilance is needed to ensure that both patient safety and the effectiveness of the treatment are monitored. As an important step in pharmacovigilance implementation, the Philippine Department of Health – Pharmaceutical Division (DOH-PD) has adopted the Pharmacovigilance Monitoring … Read more

IT solution for pharmacovigilance supports rational use of quality, safe, and effective medicines

An online system for monitoring and reporting cases of adverse drug reactions and lack of efficacy of medicines comprehensively addresses the need for improved access to quality, safe, and effective medicines. “The evaluation and analysis of PAIS system in Ukraine has brought out gaps and identified recommendations on operational PAIS system optimization and enhancing its … Read more

SIAPS Voices: How good logistics management strengthens health systems

A Q&A with Alan George, SIAPS technical advisor for supply chain management How does strengthening pharmaceutical systems make for stronger supply chains? And how does that translate into access to medicines? Having strong pharmaceutical systems is essential to having an efficient supply chain in the same way that having an efficient supply chain is essential … Read more

Using the Electronic Dispensing Tool to Retain Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Namibia

Compiled by Wezi Tjaronda (SIAPS), Samson Mwinga (SIAPS), Harriet Kagoya (SIAPS), and Greatjoy Mazibuko (SIAPS) At the Kaisosi settlement in Rundu, Namibia, antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients who were once lost to follow up (LTFU) are returning for care. One of these patients, Domingos Christophine*, a 39-year-old single mother, began ART at the Kuisebmund clinic in … Read more