Improving access to essential drugs for the population

Following years of serious political crisis and a return to stability in 2014, the level of poverty remains extremely high in the country. In the health sector, improvements in indicators are taking a long time to materialize. Drugs are not widely available in health centers and the annual consumption of essential drugs is below international standards (EUR 0.28 per capita, instead of EUR 1). The priority is to increase access to basic social services for vulnerable populations. This includes extending the distribution of essential drugs, especially in remote areas. Salama, Madagascar’s central medical store is at the core of these issues. This association, which was set up in 1996, includes officials from Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Health, civil society representatives, and technical and financial partners. It imports generic drugs and sells them to the country’s public health establishments and associations. The Government of Madagascar’s aim is to develop its activities.

Since 2012, the European Union has been helping strengthen Salama under the Support Program to Basic Social Services (PASSOBA). It has entrusted the implementation of this project to AFD, which had already contributed to Salama’s development back in 2009, and is continuing to do so at the same time, in particular via a program aiming at improving maternal and child health (PASMI). These funds aim to meet two objectives: Increase Salama’s safety stock in order to be able to supply Madagascar’s health establishments with essential drugs and other health inputs without risks of stockouts; Purchase land and build a storage warehouse in order to reduce Salama’s costs, particularly for rent, and gear up for the future increase in its supply activities.

20% increase in Salama’s supply activities; Drug stocks of the association secured; Improved nationwide drug distribution; Improvement in the health of Madagascar’s population, especially in remote areas.