Document du projet ODM (3)

Activities for each objective

Each recommendation from the group was examined and three key objectives have been developed that address the areas in the recommendations in a cost-effective manner. For indicators, please see Section 2. The activities associated with these objectives are detailed below.

[Objective 1]

Activity 1: Creation of a self-assessment tool to be used to monitor progress against the characteristics of a functioning DSO. Such a tool would use a simplified version of the WHO/EPN study survey and use the baseline established by the original study (see Section 1.6).

Steps

• Draw up draft tool.
• Distribute to all DSO members for comment and hold a small consultation meeting to finalise draft.
• Draw up second draft
• Two-country test.
• Finalise document.
• Dissemination of tool in print and web forms.

[Objective 2]

Activity 1: Design and draw together more detailed DSO-specific capacity building tools, such as “how to” manuals, on key areas:

• Financial issues
  • Planning and financial management skills
  • Revolving drug fund concept for sustainability
  • Fundraising.
• Standard operational procedures (SOPs)
  • How to develop SOPs
  • Setting SOPs for DSO quality assurance, including control laboratories.
• Management and leadership for DSOs
  • Collaboration techniques
  • Negotiation skills.
• Drug management
  • Drug procurement management
  • Organising pooled, bulk, and joint procurements.

Steps

• Development of expert team for informing the process and peer review.
• Desk review of existing material.
• Survey of perceived ‘gaps and usability’ in material contents.
• Survey of experiences and lessons learnt by individual DSOs in the use of existing materials.
• Adaptation of any existing materials to reflect current realities, e.g., ARVs.
• Development of new materials where necessary.
• Design and upload to website and distribute in printed form.
• Provision of skills development workshops.

Activity 2: Support DSOs’ access to information through the provision of information portal services through the EPN website. Information is particularly needed that is specifically targeted at DSOs and covers:

• Counterfeit drugs
• Supplier prices of, for example, ARVs, EDL items
• Links to WHO materials relevant to DSOs.

Steps

• Design a web space on the EPN website.
• Upload materials that already exist or provide links to other organisations’ materials.
• Production of a web-based e-newsletter for DSOs that includes information on new materials available on the site.
• Research and upload links.
• Produce instructions for further uploading.
• Promote to DSOs and the wider sector.
• Evaluate usage of the information portal.

Activity 3: The facilitation of processes that develop DSO staff and institutional capacities.

• Finding and receiving international funding.
• Carrying out feasibility studies around DSO production activities.
• Strengthening existing activities and DSO quality control laboratories through a process of evaluation and recommendations.
• Organisation and process of stakeholders involvement.
• Supporting staff and information exchange through the EPN network.

Steps

• Create a core feasibility process around DSO production activities.
• Create a core methodology for the development of DSO quality control laboratories through a process of evaluation and recommendations.
• Create a core meeting and exercise plan that supports the organisation and process of stakeholders’ involvement.
• Support staff development and lesson learning through the EPN network’s exchange visits and linking into skill development workshops.

Activity 4: Undertake a feasibility study that details the most common distribution models for the DSOs, and compares the strengths and weaknesses behind current DSO distribution services and contracting out options.

Steps

• Desk review of existing distribution models.
• In-depth study through questionnaire led interviews of DSO distribution methods and their strengths and weaknesses.
• Workshop for DSO leaders during which results are presented and the group makes recommendations for DSO distribution models.
• Finalise document.
• Upload materials to the website and distribute printed copies.

[Objective 3]

Activity 1: Identify appropriate stock management computer software options and make the information available through the EPN website.

Steps

• Identification through a short survey of DSO needs for software.
• Review of commercially available software in the context of DSO needs.
• Interview survey existing DSO software systems and document strengths and weaknesses.
• Development of guidance materials for DSOs.
• Upload materials to the website and distribute printed copies.