Purpose
The Access to Quality Medicines and other Technologies Task Force (AQMTF) will advise the APLMA on options for improving the availability of, and access to, quality medicines, diagnostics and other products to assist in, by 2015. To reduce malaria cases and deaths by 75 per cent from 2000 levels; and to contain artemisinin resistant strains of malaria.
Approach
The AQMTF will examine arrangements in the region for the regulation, production, procurement and distribution of medicines, diagnostics, mosquito nets, insecticides and other products used in the control and management of malaria (‘malaria control products’) and develop options for:
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ensuring the use of best-practice evidence-based therapies, consistent with international standards, and halting the use of oral mono-therapies and medicines that do not meet international standards;
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strengthening national regulatory capacity in malaria-affected countries, including through regional collaboration on standards and regulatory practices;
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enhancing access to and affordability of quality medicines, diagnostics and other malaria control products. This includes options for increasing production, improving quality of manufacturing, possible incentives for private sector producers and/or improving distribution where appropriate; and
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improving and/or increasing the use of preventive measures, including nets and insecticides.
The AQMTF will collaborate with, and build on the work of, existing global and regional organisations and networks involved in malaria control and management, to avoid duplication and accelerate progress.
Membership
The AQMTF is co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Health, Australia and the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India.
The AQMTF comprises senior policy officials and experts from regional countries with influence and interest in improving access to high quality medicines, diagnostics and other products, together with representatives of international organisations and non-governmental organisations with interest and expertise in malaria control, including the World Health Organization (WHO). Membership will be by invitation issued by the co-chairs in consultation with the WHO.
The AQMTF will consult with civil society and with malaria control product manufacturers, including in the private sector, as appropriate.
Meetings and Reporting
Meetings have been convened by the co-chairs, with Secretariat support provided by the Asian Development Bank. The AQMTF will present its findings to APLMA leaders in August 2014.