In developing countries, a community medicines shop often serves as the first point of contact for health care. Empowering the drug shop owner and dispenser to provide safe, quality medicines, and referrals to a health facility for more complex care, is key to improving maternal and children’s health in rural areas.
MSH’s Jafary H. Liana and Dr. Suleiman Kimatta visited two accredited drug dispensing outlet (ADDO) owners in Mkuranga District, Tanzania. One woman owns two ADDOs, while the other owns one. Both are also trained ADDO dispensers (an estimated 90 percent of ADDO dispensers are women).
Meet Germana Firmini Mroso
Germana Firmini Mroso, 31 years old, owns an ADDO named ROSALA DUKA LA DAWA MUHIMU, which is located at Kipara Mpakani Village, Vikindu ward, in Mkuranga District. Germana is both an owner and dispenser in her outlet. Germana holds a one year nurse assistant certificate. She manages a second small business making medicine-packaging envelopes which she uses in her outlet and sells to other outlets.
Why did you become an accredited drug shop owner?