Framework for implementing centralized pooled procurement in 10 pilot countries

The purpose of the framework is to outline overarching drivers, enablers and considerations to operationalize a regional pooled procurement mechanism in Africa, anchored in the African Continental Free Trade Area. The overall goal of the African Continental Free Trade Area-anchored Pharmaceutical Initiative is to anchor free trade and investment within the continent, facilitated by private-public partnerships along the supply-demand continuum, and to eliminate barriers with a view to implementing a continental agenda. Specific objectives of the Initiative include the following: (a) To develop a continental framework to establish a regional pooled procurement mechanism for essential pharmaceutical products; (b) To demonstrate proof-of-concept by piloting the framework for implementing pooled procurement of key reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health pharmaceutical products in 10 countries (Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles and Sudan); (c) To facilitate and advocate the local production of pharmaceutical products in response to increased demand resulting from the pooled procurement; (d) To ensure that quality standards are adhered to in the procurement, storage, distribution and local manufacturing of medicines and related products on the continent.