AED-POUZN Updates
16 Mar 2007
Topic(s):
Private Sector
- POUZN Director Camille Saadé attended a WHO/UNICEF conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, in October 2006 and presented POUZN’s experience with the introduction of zinc and the importance of the private sector. While in Indonesia he conducted an assessment of the production and marketing capabilities of the pharmaceutical sector. Currently, Mr. Saadé is participating in a full needs assessment for Indonesia sponsored by USAID.
- In November 2006, Christian Winger presented public-private partnerships for zinc at a UNICEF/WHO meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The focus of the conference was for the government and civil society to review data on zinc treatment for diarrhea and to recommend next steps for this treatment within Tanzania.
- POUZN presented to USAID/India a project that will distribute filters to low-income individuals using micro-finance institutions (MFI) by providing loans for filter purchase. This represents a new use of MFI and will provide USAID with important experience for improving filter adoption in developing countries.
- The Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare approved zinc treatment for diarrhea in India. In mid-December, USAID and POUZN are planning an event to officially announce this change in government policy and to promote the WHO/UNICEF guidelines for the use of zinc treatment. Invitees will include the Indian Academy of Pediatricians, the Indian Medical Association, government regulators, pharmaceutical companies, UN organizations, and international donors. POUZN has already trained more than 900 pharmaceutical company medical detailers among five commercial sector partners in India on use of zinc. These detailers have already reached more than 12,000 pediatricians and 20,000 general practitioners.
