Conclusions & Recommendations
20.9.2 - Zithromax® for Refugees: Decision Making Algorithm
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC recommends that any requests for refugee camps include a profile with information on origin of camp population, closed versus open camp, steady versus high population movement.
Action:
Future Zithromax® requests for refugee camps will include the recommended profile.
TEC 20
2019
special populations, Zithromax® donation criteria
19.1.1 - General Recommendations to ITI
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC congratulates the countries in the EMR Alliance that have achieved the trachoma elimination targets, notes significant progress towards trachoma program implementation, and notes the need for the urgent action in Egypt, Afghanistan, and Somalia.
Action:
This was shared with the Chair of the EMR Alliance.
TEC 19
2018
Eastern Mediterranean
19.1.2 - General Recommendations to ITI
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC notes the request from the EMR Alliance for support to trachoma programs in the region and recommends that ITI:
-Support countries with drug clearance through in-country advocacy
-Advocate (internally and externally) to mobilize funds
-Support operational research to answer questions relevant to the region
Action:
ITI has been responding proactively to needs reported from Egypt, Pakistan, Sudan, and Yemen; updates will be provided during the meeting.
TEC 19
2018
Eastern Mediterranean
recommendations for ITI management
19.2.1 - Afghanistan
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC and ITI stand ready to support the MOH of Afghanistan through technical assistance as needed and, once baseline prevalence survey data are available, would welcome an application for Zithromax® where treatments are warranted.
Action:
Results from the first 25 districts are now in, and one evaluation unit comprising three districts has a TF1-9 prevalence between 5-9%. ITI management will discuss in-person with the program coordinator at the upcoming GET2020 Alliance meeting and/or at the EMR Alliance meeting this September to determine whether they intend to apply for donated Zithromax®.
TEC 19
2018
Eastern Mediterranean
Afghanistan
suspected endemic
19.3.1 - Egypt
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC recommends that ITI Management should support EMR Alliance leadership to facilitate the release of the Zithromax® and other NTD drugs from the Central Medical Store.
Action:
After extensive discussion and follow up, Zithromax® has been released from the Central Medical Store. It is unclear what role ITI ultimately played in that situation; we will discuss during the meeting additional ways that we can support the Egypt program.
TEC 19
2018
Eastern Mediterranean
Egypt
supply chain, recommendations for ITI management
19.3.2 - Egypt
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC recommends that ITI support efforts by the EMF Alliance and ICTC to advocate for and identify funds to support Egypt’s national trachoma program.
Action:
In process
TEC 19
2018
Eastern Mediterranean
Egypt
funding, ICTC, recommendations for ITI management
19.4.1 - Kenya
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Given the Zithromax® POS that is still being held at the clearing agent, TEC reviewed and approved the use of already-cleared Zithromax® for January treatments in Kajiado and Turkana.
Action:
The MDA was conducted using in-country inventory.
TEC 19
2018
Africa - East
Kenya
supply chain, Zithromax® donation criteria
19.4.2 - Kenya
Conclusion/Recommendation:
For future Zithromax® shipments, TEC awaits confirmation of the following from the Ministry of Health:
-A written quote from Africa Cargo Handling of customs clearance and handling fees based on the commercial invoice
-Assurance of available funds (letter signed by Finance Manager) for quoted customs clearance and handling fees
-A letter from Africa Cargo Handling (or copy of the agreement between Kenya MoH and Africa Cargo Handling) stating immediate payment will not be required from MoH in order for consignment to be released
Action:
These requirements have been put in place for the upcoming shipments.
TEC 19
2018
Africa - East
Kenya
supply chain, Zithromax® donation criteria
19.4.3 - Kenya
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC determined that North Horr in Marsabit does not meet criteria due to lack of clarity surrounding current prevalence. Once prevalence data and year of survey are clarified, TEC would welcome a mid-year request if treatments are warranted.
Action:
The Kenya program decided to conduct a survey in Marsabit County (which includes North Horr sub-county) to determine current prevalence; there is currently no request for Zithromax®.
TEC 19
2018
Africa - East
Kenya
Zithromax® donation criteria, evaluation units
19.5.1 - Central African Republic
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Given the current lack of adequate funds, TEC recommends that ITI supports efforts by ICTC to advocate for and identify funds to support CAR’s national trachoma program.
Action:
In spite of initial efforts, adequate funding has not yet been identified.
TEC 19
2018
Africa - Central/Southern
CAR
ICTC, funding, recommendations for ITI management