World Health Organization
 Collaborating Center on
 Pharmaceutical Policy

    Improving Access to and Use of Essential Medicines



Events  
  Partners  
  Contact Info  
 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Learn More About:
Medicines and Insurance Coverage (MedIC) Initiative

Overview
Activities
 

























ARV Policy and Management Short Course

Funding through the Global Fund, PEPFAR, and other initiatives has recently transformed AIDS into a treatable disease in developing and transitional countries. Resources such as antiretrovirals (ARVs) and diagnostics are now available; however, rapid scale-up of AIDS treatment programs has not occurred, in part due to ARV drug management issues. ARV drug management issues include difficulties with pharmaceutical supply systems and logistics, insufficient human resources to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART), and barriers to ARV adherence. Successful HIV/AIDS treatment programs rely on consistent, uninterrupted supplies of ARVs, appropriate ARV prescribing, and adherence by consumers. Ineffective ARV management can lead to treatment failures, ARV resistance, and insufficient program uptake. This course provides practical skills to effectively manage unique challenges that present in ARV management.

The course, conducted in collaboration with WHO, attracts a mix of current MPH students and experienced public health practitioners. The format is highly interactive, with presentations by international experts followed by facilitated group exercises and discussion. Case studies and guided readings are provided, with substantial preparation required for each session. Useful articles and resources are also provided. A focus group session with persons living with HIV/AIDS is conducted during class to expose participants to patient challenges in adhering to ARV regimens. A field visit to an ARV Adherence Clinic is arranged.

LATEST UPDATES


 

 

MedIC Initiative Courses conducted in Accra, Ghana , November 16-25, 2008 and in Beijing, China, March 22-31, 2009


























If you have any questions, please contact the webmaster Stevan deProsse at Stevan_deProsse@harvardpilgrim.org.