[e-drug] Can we document experiences with PEPFAR please? (5)

["Essential Drugs Project" <edp@gn.apc.org>]

E-DRUG: Can we document experiences with PEPFAR please? (5)
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Dear E-druggers

In response to Elizabeth Gardiner's message, I think the point EPN is 
making is that local experts are being ignored by PEPFAR, which has failed 
to use their expertise to avoid mistakes in implementation.

Those who cope daily with the difficult task of setting up sustainable and 
appropriate drug supply systems for church hospitals and clinics in Africa 
- (many of whom helped to draft the statement) - need to be involved as 
equal partners.  This has not happened.  Instead PEPFAR is adding to their 
difficulties by imposing an extra and heavy burden of bureaucracy, and in 
the other ways itemised in the statement.

Elizabeth says that "developing countries have realised that they do not 
have the personnel needed to manage comprehensive HIV/AIDS 
programmes''.   But Africa's pool of health professionals is presently 
being plundered at an unprecedented rate by rich countries: the outward 
flow of trained doctors, nurses, pharmacists and social workers contributes 
to weak health services, and makes it essential that experienced and 
knowledgeable local experts are respected and involved in shaping PEPFAR to 
effectively fill African needs.

Philippa Saunders
Essential Drugs Project
77 Lee Road
Blackheath
London SE3 9EN
UK
tel/fax   44 (0)20 8318 1419
email     edp@gn.apc.org