NCDs can be treated with essential medicines, yet millions of people with NCDs in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) cannot access these drugs and devices. Poor domestic funding, lack of resources, inadequate selection mechanisms, inaccurate demand forecasting, and inefficient procurement and distribution continue to force patients to pay 2-3 times more for medicines purchased from different sources and put at risk the quality of products in the market. How to unblock the bottlenecks?
The procurement of medicines is an important component of an effective medicines supply system, and therefore a major determinant in the quality of health delivery services. It is a complex process involving activities which range from the selection of items; quantification of needs; identification of appropriate method of procurement; selection of suppliers; award of contracts; negotiation with suppliers for deliveries and payment; and monitoring the status of orders. Key elements in the medicines supply chain such as quantity, cost and quality are influenced by the procurement process. Innovative approaches for ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of essential medicines are therefore needed at country, regional and global levels. Pooled procurement is an example of one such widely recognized initiative.
This NCD Hard Talk unveils global and national efforts needed to shape NCD medicines markets and improve equitable access for all. Experts unpack key considerations for feasible NCD pooled procurement and assist in directing future efforts on this work. Speakers from WHO, development agencies, academia and partners explore key lessons on building sustainable and reliable procurement mechanisms to deliver NCD medicines to all.
Speakers:
Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, Director, NCD Department, WHO
Dr. Temo Waqanivalu, Head, NCD Integrated Service Delivery, WHO HQ
Bashier Enoos, Technical Officer, Integrated Service Delivery (Medicines and Health Products)
Dr Ren Minghui, Assistant Director General, UHC/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO HQ
Dr Mariangela Simao, Assistant Director General, Access to Medicines and Health Products, WHO HQ
Prof Prashant Yadav, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development
Abraham Weekes, Senior Technical Specialist, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)- Pharmaceutical Pooled Procurement System
Juliana Vallini, Specialist at the Strategic Fund, PAHO
Dr Brenda Waning, Chief, Global Drug Facility, Stop TB Partnership at UNOPS
Jessica Jones, Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Cathal Meere, Pharmaceutical Sourcing Manager, Global Fund
Akthem Fourati, Chief of Medicines and Nutrition Centre, Supply Division, UNICEF
Andreas Seiter, Global Lead, Health, Nutrition and Population, World Bank
Joseph Serutoke, Senior Advisor, UNDP Global Fund Partnership
Dr Cécile Macé, Consultant, Health Action International
Austen Davis, Global Health section, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation