Session Guide
Gallery of Experts

OBJECTIVES
BACKGROUND TO THE COURSE
INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR THE RATIONAL USE OF DRUGS
VISUAL AIDS
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To introduce participants and trainers to each other.

To help participants recognize themselves and each other as valuable resources.

To provide a forum for learning new things about participants and trainers.

To begin building a foundation for team development.

To provide the trainers with information about their audience.

Background to the Course

These materials have evolved over time. The first international course was held in Yogyakarta in 1988 with materials developed by Management Sciences for Health and the Harvard Drug Policy Group. In 1989, the INRUD network was formed and members became involved in developing indicators and methods to investigate drug use and in testing interventions.

International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD)

Over the last decade, there have been major improvements, in the selection, procurement, distribution and financing of drug supply as a result of the essential drug programs in many developing countries. However, despite improved availability of pharmaceuticals in health care facilities, the critical element in promoting rational use of drugs, has not been sufficiently addressed.

INRUD is a cooperative international venture to address in an innovative way the problem of the inappropriate use of drugs, with an interdisciplinary approach. By using a network approach, it is hoped that effective and realistic policy and program options to improve rational use of drugs can be identified.

In 1997, a major conference was held in Chang Mai, Thailand, at which many of the interventions were presented. While the course started with an aim of changing prescribers, it has become clear that the health system comprises prescribers, dispensers, informal sector members and consumers. All groups are involved in the process. Each group member may have different perspectives and these should be recognized as real to those individuals. Understanding the different points of view is required before any intervention can be successful.

You can access the ICIUM Conference web site at: http://www.who.ch/dap-icium/index.html .

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