Essential Medicines List for Emergencies and Disasters in the Caribbean

Abstract

This technical document is a result of the inter-programmatic work of PAHO/ WHO’s Area of Health Systems Based on Primary Health Care/Medicines and Health Technologies and the Area on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief. A preliminary consultation with the technical advisors of both Areas and experts from PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre in Rational Use of Medicines from the University of La Plata was conducted in Barbados from August 31 to September 1, 2009 and a first draft with the main health problems and possible essential medicines was developed. Based on that, the Collaborating Centre prepared a second draft that was submitted to the consensus meeting, held in Barbados on 17-18 May 2010, with participation of experts in both areas from Caribbean Institutions, Ministries of Health, University of West Indies, University of Technology and Caribbean Regional Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre on Pharmaceutical Policies of Fiocruz, facilitated by experts from PAHO/WHO Col3 Introduction laborating Centre in Rational Use of Medicines from the University of La Plata and supported by both PAHO/WHO technical areas. Essential medicines are selected with due regard to disease prevalence, evidence on efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness. The 16th Edition of the Model List of Essential Medicines (2010)1 and the Interagency Emergency Health Kit (2006)2 were used as references. It is proposed as a first approach to be used as contribution for the national disaster preparedness plans which need to be updated regularly.