150 likes | 202 Views
Third National Survey on the Use of Drugs in Namibia’s Public Health Institutions Including Monitoring the Implementation of the National Drug Policy. Presenter: Jennie Lates, MRPharmSGB. Namibia. On west coast of Southern Africa Independence gained in 1990 Population ~1.8 million people
E N D
Third National Survey on the Use of Drugs in Namibia’s Public Health Institutions IncludingMonitoring the Implementation of the National Drug Policy Presenter: Jennie Lates, MRPharmSGB
Namibia • On west coast of Southern Africa • Independence gained in 1990 • Population ~1.8 million people • Size 823,700 km2 ~ 2 people/km2 • Government (MoHSS) provides majority of health services
Introduction • MoHSS identified need to monitor drug use practices • National surveys in ’97, ’99 & ‘01 • NDP launched in 1998 • 2001 survey to monitor implementation of NDP
Study Design • Prospective cross-sectional survey • Indicators from INRUD & WHO • Included 44 randomly selected health facilities • Data from 30 Outpatient Rx per facility • Pharmacies visited to collect stock info
Discussion • Concerns re prescribing indicators; • £polypharmacy and antibiotic use • poor adherence to STGs • Positive results; • £labelling & generic prescribing • maintained high drug availability
Conclusions Despite work to implement NDP several key drug use factors have worsened since baseline. Need to conduct Nationwide campaigns to promote adherence to STGs, especially re antibiotic prescribing.
Lessons Learnt • Most action driven by Pharm. Services • All levels & cadres need to be involved in IUM • Routine supervision visits should be used to promote IUM in PHC facilities • DTCs essential to IUM in Districts and Hospitals
Use face to face education to £ adherence to STGs • Induction of new contract staff essential • IUM principles MUST be in pre-service training of all cadres • Nursing cadre need more training in diagnosis and prescribing skills
Implications • This type of survey plays key role in identifying problem areas. • Sector wide support for IUM is vital for success. • Integral role of prescribing staff essential in development & implementation of policies
To be effective action needed at all levels in health system. • Minimum standards for prescribing staff need to be established & implemented. • Importance of supply & dispensing roles in IUM must not be forgotten.
Future Research • Best methods in resource limited settings to: • ensure sector wide approach to IUM • ensure high quality of prescribing skills among health workers • increase role of pharmacy staff in promoting adherence to STGs