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.