S49.03 - Access to antipsychotics for schizophrenic patients in developing countries

Abstract

Background:

In developing countries mental disorders are emerging as a major contributor to the Global Burden of Diseases, but mental health cares are accessible to only a minority. Psychiatric diseases do not benefit from recent dramatic progresses in terms of access to medicines seen in other fields. Thus, in the case of schizophrenia, cost effective treatment combining first generation antipsychotics and adjuvant psychosocial treatment are not widely used.

Aim:

Our objective is to demonstrate that access to treatment in the field of schizophrenia could be improved by simple, assessable and adaptable programs.

Method:

In partnership with Health Authorities and local psychiatric networks, a pilot project has been elaborated in one province of Morocco (Benslimane). It will be set up early 2008 and will last 3 years. It will combine:

1. - Population awareness about mental diseases

2. - Information for patients’ families

3. - Primary care medical staff training, for diagnosis and treatment

4. - Supply of antipsychotics with a preferential pricing policy (preferential price policy).

A strict assessment of the impact of this program will be performed. The primary criterion will be: treated people each year as a proportion of the total estimated annual prevalence. Involuntary admissions as a proportion of annual admissions, clinical evolution, the potential capacity, and the burden for families will be also measured.

Results:

The present situation, the program's content, and the assessment tools will be presented.

Conclusion:

Once the efficiency of such programs is established, the scaling-up will require commitments from international organizations and donors.