Transcript Slide 1
Best Practices in Zithromax Distribution Chad MacArthur Helen Keller International IAPB 9th General Assembly, Hyderabad, India 17 September 2012 Critical Moments in the A of SAFE 1992-1997 – Trials established azithromycin as effective antibiotic for community treatment 1997 – Establishment of GET 2020 1997 – Pfizer and Edna McConnell Clark Foundation create International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) to manage donation of Zithromax® 2006 – US Congress through USAID earmarks funding for integrated NTD control and elimination 2008 – ITI refocuses on Zithromax distribution 2012 – DFID Funding for trachoma mapping & SAFE Political Support and Advocacy • Must be seen as a long term investment • Advocacy must be guided by an overall strategy using various channels • Political support must be garnered at every level • Launches appear to be very effective • Advocacy must be guided by evidence in the field National Coordination and Planning • National Trachoma Task Forces • Need for strong government ownership • Need for data-driven strategic decision-making • Trachoma needs to be part of overall NTD strategic (Master) Plans Micro-Planning • Improves efficiency of program and strengthens overall health system • Allows for tailoring to specific local contexts • Essential for scaling –up activities Personnel – Community and Health Facility • Clear roles and responsibilities essential • Use of community agents critical for community engagement • Use of incentives for community distributors to stem attrition Program Strategies • Ideally evolution should be based on experience but at times are externally driven • MDA strategies should be based on ability to be scaled-up • Different contexts demand different strategies • Integration can be a double-sided sword Community Mobilization • Depends on community engagement • Engaging traditional leaders and other influential community members • Beneficiaries can be effective advocates within their own community • Use of campaigns more effective • Evaluation of mobilization efforts allows for datadriven decision-making Supervision • Essential at all steps of program implementation • Needs to be task oriented • Supportive feedback is a key element • Training in supervision mandatory for successful programs • Supervision skills extend to other areas of health services Recording and Reporting • Standardized reporting forms • Daily entry particularly in simple Excel allows for immediate troubleshooting • Measurement of coverage is first step in determining gaps • Reporting at community level requires constant oversight/supervision Thank You