A new package of slides has been developed to support educators in teaching systems approaches to medicines issues. The content of the slides is based on the Alliance's flagship report Medicines in Health Systems: Advancing access, affordability and appropriate use (2014).
Access to safe and affordable medicines remains a significant barrier to improved health in low- and middle-income countries. This is due in part to vertically-oriented policies and interventions in the area of medicines that typically result in short-term effects
A wider approach that actively connects the different components of health systems (e.g. health financing, service delivery, human resources) is needed to ensure that policies are more effective at addressing systems constraints. A systems approach is one that situates medicines within the full complexity of a health system. Using a systems approach enables an understanding of: how medicines interventions influence the rest of the health system and vice-versa; the strong links between access to medicines and equity; and how medicines contribute to stronger health systems and the goal of universal health coverage.
Teaching content
- Why a health systems approach?
- Evolving concepts in essential medicines and health systems
- The role of medicines in achieving universal health coverage
- Innovation to ensure better access to medicines
- Making health market systems work for medicines
- Using a systems perspective to innovate in access to medicines
Audience
The teaching slides are primarily intended for educators and students. The slides may also benefit other stakeholders in the health system who are involved in the development, production, marketing, registration, selection, financing, procurement, distribution, prescribing, dispensing and use of medicines.
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