Program guidance paper : pharmaceuticals in health assistance

health assistance programs are presented. An initial section reviews the role and structure of the pharmaceutical components of health programs in general and of A.I.D."s in particular, along with the major problems involved in providing pharmaceuticals. Succeeding sections identify the goals of and criteria for A.I.D. pharmaceutical activities and outline a strategy for the future, taking into consideration staffing implications, the role of other donors, and program resources. In the future, A.I.D. will support procurement of fewer drugs, but will provide technical assistance and training in the selection, procurement, distribution, use, and where feasible, the local formulation of basic drugs. Pharmaceutical support of primary health care projects will focus on preventive measures (immunization, family planning, prevention of vitamin deficiencies, and control of diarrheal disease, malaria, and infectious disease). Priority will also be given to programs in countries where 10% or more of the health budget is spent on pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical programming will be directed toward using available and developing new technologies and towards strengthening human and institutional resources.