Role of Essential Drug Lists in Achieving MDG Target 8e

2015 is approaching and many African nations are in danger of missing MDG target 8e: In cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries. Problematic with reaching this target is the issue of “what are essential drugs?” The primary function of the Essential Drug List (EDL) is to serve as the list for healthcare providers. The EDL tells physicians which medications are available for which conditions; pharmacists what medications must be on-hand for dispensing; and the government which medications must be procured and made available to the health system. This poster presents a representation of (a) which African nations have a current EDL, and (b) how much money each nation spends on its pharmaceuticals. The poster presents discrepancies between African nations with functioning EDLs, and those without, and opens the discussion, “is an EDL worth all the time and expense?” The team gathered information from a variety of inter and intra-governmental organizations and individuals on whether/not (a) a drug policy exists, (b) an EDL is in place, (c) is the EDL continually updated, and (d) the dollar costs of procuring medications across the nation. African nations spent approximately 30% of their health expenditure on pharmaceuticals in 2010. When resources are scarce, and 65% of your population pays out-of-pocket for medications, an EDL becomes crucial. Africa is not alone in the battle of providing its populations with medications. By implementing, continually updating, and coordination amongst professionals and organizations, an EDL can be cost effective for the nation, and life saving to the population-at-large. Contributors Dr. James A. Johnson, Ph.D., MPA Central Michigan University Mr. David J. Ranney, MBA, MIM Central Michigan University Mr. Styn M. Jamu, MPH John Snow Incorporated