In 2012, when the US Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded the SIAPS Program, it tasked the program with developing a measurement framework and corresponding indicators for determining whether investments in pharmaceutical systems strengthening are contributing to the development of stronger, more sustainable pharmaceutical systems. At that time, there were no widely accepted definitions for … Read more
DPMED is responsible for registration of medicines prior to importation by licensed importers and their use by health providers and consumers. However, the department is hindered in execution of its mandate because of several challenges. The extent of illegal and unregistered medicines in circulation is not uncommon. DPMED is constrained by its capacity to effectively … Read more
The Directorate for Drugs and Medical Supplies (DDMS) plays a key role in providing technical guidance and setting strategic direction in policy formulation, service delivery, standards, laws and regulations, and objectives for the pharmaceutical sector in Sierra Leone. It is also involved in stakeholders’ collaborations and coalition building, resource mobilization and deployment of resources, and … Read more
In November 2016, SIAPS offered technical assistance to DPMED to optimize the current medicine registration system, potentially by using the web-based medicine registration tool Pharmadex. After the assessment at DPMED in August 2017, SIAPS found that the SIGIP-ARP system in place was a software recommended for the regional West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) … Read more
The use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in combination for treating patients with HIV has greatly ameliorated morbidity and mortality by reducing viral load to undetectable levels and boosting the body’s immunity. However serious adverse reactions causing long- or short-term effects have been associated with ARV treatment. These reactions have caused major concerns internationally, potentially threatening patient … Read more
SIAPS worked with global and in-country partners to improve access to and use of life-saving medicines for women and children, thereby contributing to ending preventable child and maternal deaths. By promoting a pharmaceutical systems strengthening approach, SIAPS activities went beyond addressing supply chain challenges to incorporate interventions to positively affect the system as a whole, … Read more
As countries aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, there is an emphasis on increasing the availability of medicines. However, poor quality products or dispensing methods may decrease treatment effectiveness or even result in patient death. ADEs negatively affect patient care and increase costs to the system. A functioning PV system monitors these events and triggers … Read more
Proper storage conditions and inventory control have a positive effect on medicine quality, data/recording quality, transparency, and the prevention of loss and expiries that lead to wastage. Medicines can lose their potency over time, and the substances that remain as they break down can be harmful. Poor and disorganized storage can lead to deterioration and … Read more
Project dates: 2013-2017
Project dates: 2012-2017
