Delivered by Koichi Takagi, Director of International Affairs of the Nippon Foundation

　

　　Honorable Deputy Minister Than Zin, UNICEF Representatives, participants and distinguished Guests, good morning.

　　It is my privilege to represent the Nippon Foundation in greeting you on this auspicious occasion, the opening of the Second International Meeting on Essential Drugs and Community Health Systems, Asia Region. I hope my words will not only make all of you feel welcome, but also encourage those of you who will be taking part in the working sessions to give the best of yourselves over the next couple of days. I am confident that what will be accomplished will exceed even the Nippon Foundation's high expectations.

　　At the First International Meeting, held last year in Tokyo, we attempted to clarify the concept and more define the implementation process of revolving essential drug funds (RDFs). We also examined the role of RDFs in primary health care. Health sector and UNICEF representatives from ten countries, as well as from various related international agencies, engaged in animated and fruitful discussions that greatly improved our understanding of what is necessary to the successful establishment of RDFs. A year has since passed, and we must now see what progress has been made in the Essential Drugs Project these twelve months through a concentrated look at the project in Asia.

　　The concept of revolving drug funds is quite simple, but implementation...now that is another story. The process, itself, takes a Myriad of forms, shaped by the unique set of problems, priorities, strengths and weaknesses of each host country. For example, in Mongolia, Nepal and Laos, the greatest implementation challenge is overcoming incredible logistical constraints caused by geography and topography. Vietnam, on the other hand, has no such obstacles. It must, however, tangle with the issue of widespread irrational drug use. Country projects are further separated by starting circumstances and implementation pace. We have been informed that Cambodia is launching its first pilot funds just this year after putting much effort into ensuring the readiness of its distribution system. Myanmar, in contrast, is at the point where its funds are actually revolving and currently faces the difficulties related to scaling up.

　　When we at the foundation survey the Essential Drugs Project, we are often amazed at the tremendous variety, scope and magnitude of differences. Still, common features are identifiable. These features are basic to any implementation effort and can be listed as requisites in the evolving RDF model.

　　Firstly, within any project country, there must be political commitment at the highest levels. The objective is not to supply essential drugs to only small segments of the population, but to all citizens. This requires leadership and determination from those who plan and strive on behalf of the entire nation.

　　Secondly, there must be coordination from the government level down to the individual communities. Each level must do its part in creating and maintaining efficient logistical and communication networks, and in improving capacity in terms of proper administration of the system and adequate training. If the ultimate goal is the improvement of primary health care, strong coordination is critical to the efficient and effective delivery of health care services and products to the population at large.

　　Finally, as the Essential Drugs Project illustrates, cooperation between countries and international agencies can be an invaluable resource. As an individual country struggles to resolve its health care issues, it should be open to learning from and working with other nations and knowledgeable outside organizations. Possible solutions to its own implementation dilemmas can often be gleaned from the experiences and perspectives of others.

　　This last point brings us back to why we are gathered here today. Shared lessons allow us to leap frog forward; when we stand alone, we sometimes find ourselves reinventing the wheel. With this in mind, I urge you all to debate, challenge and inspire one another, making the most of this short time we have together. Let us make this gathering a significant milestone in the establishment of revolving drug funds as an important tool in strengthening primary health care.

　　Six Asian countries are represented here today by their ministries of health and local UNICEF offices. We also have attendants from the UNDP, WHO, Medicins Sans Frontiere, and Management Sciences for Health. And of course, without Dr. Umenai and the members of the Essential Drugs Project Committee, this conference and the entire Essential Drugs Project would not be possible. Thank you all for your great dedication.

　　Finally, I would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Health of Myanmar and to UNICEF Yangon for their cooperation in holding this second conference. Thank you for inviting us to this lovely country and for so warmly welcoming us.

　　Thank you.