E-DRUG: Appeal for Medicines Donations for DR Congo

[gustav <gustav@madh2.pmb.healthlink.org.za>]

E-DRUG: Appeal for Medicines Donations for DR Congo
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Dear ALL

Some of you are aware of the signing of cease-fire between the Rebel
Groups and the Government of the Democratic(!) Republic of Congo, in
Central africa. This senseless war following one of the greatest
dictatorships in Africa (by the late Mobutu), has systematically
destroyed the health system in DR Congo. As the Secretary General of
UN said it is time that donors help with the rebuilding and
re-establishing the social life of the Congolese people. 

This appeal from Congo Networking Group is one of the initiatives, ourselves, as
Congolese both in Congo and living abroad, have taken in order to
sensitize the world on our needs. Our group has already made
arrangements to the effect that all health and educational related
donations will be allowed special conditions of entry into the
country (customs clearance & other issues). Our group can also
intervene and assist with logistics issues where needed. 

Our group believe that the WHO-guidelines on drugs donations as they can be
adapted constitute a point of departure for acceptance of donations.

Please send this message to whoever you know can be of any assistance

Thanking for your help.

Yours sincerely,

For and on behalf of Congo Networking Group

Mr. Gustav Malangu
Projects Coordinator

Email: gustav@madh2.pmb.healthlink.org.za  [added by moderator; WB]

[What type of medicines? Is there an essential drug list in Congo?
What drugs are needed most? What quantities? Can health workers read 
english? How will the quality of donations be checked? How sustainable
are donations? UNICEF, MSF, Memisa (Holland) and many other NGOs had
small Essential Drug Projects, mainly based on revolving funds. Are
these Ess Drug Projects still working? Or is it maybe better to open 
a bank account and ask for cash so that high-volume low-cost essential 
drugs can be bought? 

Maybe wise to send a french version of this message to the french-speaking
E-drug, called E-med, at e-med@usa.healthnet.org

Discussion is open how the health workers and patients in Congo (and Angola,
Sierra Leone, Somalia, Southern Sudan etc) can be helped best. WB]
 
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