By Dr Charles Mwansambo Secretary for Health 20 th May, 2013 World Health Assembly Side Event

1. MALAWI GOVERNMENTMINISTRY OF HEALTHPROGRESS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR IN MALAWI By Dr Charles Mwansambo Secretary for Health 20th May, 2013 World Health Assembly Side Event GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

2. PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Introduction • Key Achievements in implementation of Good Governance in the Pharmaceutical in Malawi • Reasons for the Achievements • Challenges • Lessons learnt • Conclusion

3. INTRODUCTION

4. INTRODUCTION - CONTINUED • Malawi is in the Southern part of Africa. Sharing international borders with Mozambique to the south, Zambia to the west and Tanzania to the north • Estimated population of about 15 million people

5. GOOD GOVERNANCE IN MEDICINES IMPLEMENTATION • Malawi with support from the WHO has completed phase I and Phase II of the Good Governance in Pharmaceuticals. • Now Malawi moving onto Phase III

6. Key achievements 2011–2012 • Training of Good Governance in Medicines (GGM) team completed • Development of Good Governance in Medicines (GGM) Frame Work completed • The Framework now awaits launch end October 2013

7. REASONS FOR SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAMME • Technical as well as financial support has always been available from country and WHO Geneva offices. • The national GGM Team has been together for a long time. • Collaborations with local anti corruption agencies including the Police.

8. CHALLENGES • Inadequate budget lines for the operations of the programme. • Limited local pharmaceutical manufacturing base. Over reliance on imported medicines brings in its own problems in the procurement as well as other pharmaceutical systems.

9. CHALLENGES CONTINUED • Inadequate capacity at the Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board to enforce legislation and regulations relating to control of medicines in Malawi. • Inadequate funding to the health sector which lead to consistent shortage of essential drugs and medical supplies at service delivery points.

10. LESSONS LEARNED • Good Governance infrastructure is achievable, what is required is commitment and patience. • Commitment should be by both GGM Teams and our Governments. • Effective coordination of the GGM programme requires a dedicated team of trained individuals and logistical support.

11. LESSONS LEARNED CONTINUED • To promote and ensure transparency and good governance practices in Malawi the GGM programme will be managed by the Drugs and Medical Supplies Technical Working Group (TWG) in the SWAp and also the National GGM Committee.

12. NEXT STEPS IN MALAWI GGM PROGRAMME • Follow the planning matrix which has been developed • Continue with campaigns and development of guidelines including conflict of interest • Build national capacity for good governance in medicines regulation and supply management systems

13. EXPECTATIONS FROM THE WHO • We expect country and Geneva WHO offices to continue guiding us, giving us the much needed support both technical and financial which will lead us into successful implementation of Phase III of the GGM.

14. CONCLUSION The Government of Malawi understands the importance of Good Governance in pharmaceuticals and hence is committed to full implementation of the GGM with the aim of improving health services in the country

15. THANK YOU