RPM Plus aims to improve the functioning of all aspects of the pharmaceutical management system-selection, procurement, distribution, use, policy and legal framework, and management support-and recognizes that commodity management for HIV/AIDS-related pharmaceuticals will function efficiently and in a sustainable manner only if the systems for the management of all pharmaceuticals are strengthened.

The four main objectives of the project are to—

1. Strengthen the policy and legal framework as well as the support systems for pharmaceutical management

   Activities under this objective aim to advocate for the review and/or development and adoption of appropriate policies, laws, and regulations that promote the availability and rational use of safe and effective medicines and related supplies in both the public and private sectors.

   The Pharmaceutical Services Division will be strengthened to enable it to effectively oversee the implementation of the national medicines policy. In addition, support will be provided for the successful implementation of the Pharmacy Act and the Medicines Control Act to ensure that the pharmaceutical services are of the highest quality, meet local and international standards, and are provided by knowledgeable personnel.
    

2. Strengthen human resources for the management of HIV/AIDS-related pharmaceuticals

   Support will be provided for the drafting of a human capacity development policy and plan for pharmaceutical management in Namibia. In the short term, the personnel needed to support pharmaceutical services will be engaged and seconded to the MOHSS. Technical assistance and support will be provided to the pharmacist's assistant training program of the National Health Training Center.
    

3. Strengthen pharmaceutical and commodity management systems and procedures of the Central Medical Store, Regional Medical Stores, and treatment facilities for HIV/AIDS-related pharmaceuticals

   Activities will introduce strategies and procedures that will ensure an uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical products by maximizing synergies and minimizing gaps in distribution systems.

   This objective aims to improve the systems for the procurement, storage, and distribution of medicines, rapid HIV test kits, nutrition packages, and home-based care kits as required; improve the financial management practices for pharmaceuticals at the Central and Regional Medical Stores and treatment facilities; and ensure availability and traceability of supplies at the lowest possible cost.
    

4. Strengthen the rational use of HIV/AIDS-related pharmaceuticals and the availability of comprehensive pharmaceutical care in treatment facilities to support the provision of PMTCT and ART services.

   Activities under this objective promote the rational use of medicines and other pharmaceuticals by prescribers, dispensers, and consumers by supporting and promoting an essential medicines concept as described in the national medicines policy.

   This support and promotion will be achieved through wide dissemination of the National Essential Medicines List and the standard treatment guidelines; widely disseminating unbiased information on medicines to service providers and the general public; providing training; and regulating, enforcing, regularly reviewing, and instituting measures to promote rational prescribing.
    

Related Information

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