The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) delivered its first batch of medicines under a new project designed to make sure the most vulnerable people get their treatments on time, IPN reports, quoting a press release of UNDP.
Based on an agreement with the Ministry of Health, UNDP is procuring USD 4.25 million worth medicine and medical devices, in the framework of 8 national and special health programs, to treat HIV/AIDS, oncological, haematological diseases, tuberculosis, rare diseases, diabetes and other conditions. The first batch represents USD 328 thousand and will benefit 3,800 people.
“A batch of medicines for patients living with HIV/AIDS has already arrived in Moldova, and the estimates show that once all the medicines envisaged under this health program are delivered, we could save 37 percent of the allocated budget, which means about USD 300,000,” said Ruxanda Glavan, Minister of Health.
UNDP finalized the contracting for two out of the eight national and special health programs. All companies under the initiative have been selected following a competitive process, with domestic and foreign companies given a chance to participate. The evaluation and approval of costs for the other six programs is ongoing. All procured medicines are World Health Organization-prequalified, according to quality standards.
“UNDP has a considerable worldwide experience in the field of public procurement and supply chain management. I am glad that this experience is now being harnessed in the Republic of Moldova, which will help increase the access for all patients to essential medicines,” said Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova.
According to Ruslan Poverga, General Director of the NGO “Positive Initiative” – an organization of persons living with HIV/AIDS or vulnerable to them – providing access to treatment is the best way to combat the spread of HIV and a solid investment to save many lives. “UNDP has managed to purchase high-quality medicines necessary for people living with HIV/AIDS in limited time and at a favorable price, and we believe that this will have a lasting impact on the Moldovan health system,” said Ruslan Poverga.
According to official statistics, there is a cumulative number of over 11,000 cases of HIV registered in the Republic of Moldova. About 300 people die every year of causes related to this disease. Earlier this year, about 4,500 people received antiretroviral treatment. Without any proper medical treatment, the virus progresses to the stage of AIDS, which in most cases is fatal.
