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CCIH ANNUAL CONFERENCE May 26-28, 2007 Presentation by Dr S. Mwenda EPN Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network Réseau Pharmaceutique Œcuménique
CCIH ANNUAL CONFERENCEMay 26-28, 2007
Presentation by Dr S. Mwenda
EPNEcumenical Pharmaceutical NetworkRéseau Pharmaceutique Œcuménique
The context of EPN work On average in Sub Sahara Africa, 40% of
formal health care services are provided by church health services (CHSs). This is much higher in rural areas.
Their significance requires that effort is made to ensure they are supported and informed as much as the public (govt.) health services.
EPN response …EPN is a worldwide network that tries to address this by supporting Church related Health Services (CHS) pharmaceutical-related needs.
Organizational Objectives
Development of an active network with increased impact
Maximizing access to essential medicines for church health services and their clients
Increase capacity of church leaders and church related health services to respond to the massive challenge of HIV/AIDS treatment
EPN Members….
They are currently 105 member organizations mainly Christian Health Associations, Church Health Services and faith-based drug supply organizations.
Members are located in over 30 countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America
Diagrammatic representation of the network modelKey: S=secretariat; CFP=country focal point; M=other members; arrows represent lines of communication (not all possible lines of communication are
shown).
CFP
CFP
CFP
CFP
S
M
M
MM
M
W
W
W
W
W
Country boundary
Country boundary
EPN: Participative way of working
EPN programmes activities are developed with the involvement and participation of EPN members; this ensures that the programmes are relevant to the pharmaceutical needs and concerns of the members.
Implementation, monitoring and evaluation is by the members through the country focal point organizations, while the EPN secretariat play a lead/coordinating role
EPN members developing a project
EPN Members working together… Examples:
In 2004 EPN members identified 25 recommended procedures and resources that need to be in place in order for CHSs to offer effective and efficient pharmaceutical services for the institutions and their clients.
In 2006 EPN members from drug supply organisations developed monitoring and evaluation tools for DSOs
EPN partners….
EPN works with a wide range of partners that support similar goals to that of the Network and include:
Inter-governmental organisations Non-government organisations Governments The private and public health sectors Other faith-based organisations.
Examples of EPN partnership/Collaborations…1
Multi-Country study of medicines supply and distribution activities of faith-based organisations in sub-Saharan African countries 2003. In collaboration with WHO (involved 16 EPN member organisations)
With aim of enhancing the capacity and sustainability of DSOs
Examples of EPN partnership/Collaborations…2
Pharmacy Assistants Training (PAT): E. Africa 160 graduates 1995 - 2004. (In collaboration with MEDS, CSSC, CHAK , UPMB and UCMB)
PRDU/D&TC Courses 1999 - 2004. (In collaboration with WHO, CEDMAP, MSH)
French PRDU 2003 and 2004. (In collaboration with WHO, MSH).
HIV/AIDS treatment literacy training 2005-2007. (In collaboration with EHAIA)
Some Challenges faced by EPN in Partnership/collaborations
Frequent human resources movement destabilize already created links with member and/or partnering organizations
Lack of recognition of pharmaceutical staff as key health care personnel that need to be exposed to regular professional development courses and forums
High expectations (e.g. of time) of already very busy people
Contact us…
Dr. Eva M. A. Ombaka
Coordinator
Ecumenical Pharmaceutical NetworkP. O. Box 73860-00200Nairobi, KenyaTel: 254-20-4444832Fax: 254-20-4441090Email: [email protected]: www.epnetwork.org
