Drug expiry standards in developing countires

Strict global guidelines are available for use of expired primary health care drugs on the essential medicines list

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 June 2018
Document Type:
Thematic Summary
Theme:
Health
Authors:
Tull, K

Abstract

This rapid review confirms that strict global guidelines are available for use of expired primary health care drugs on the essential medicines list. There are World Health Organisation (2011) and Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (2018) guidelines for drug donations; the Pan American Health Organisation’s recommendations for humanitarian aid provide additional guidance for drug donors (2009). Many Low income countries/low middle income countries have adapted the WHO guidelines to their own situations, and limited data is available on ‘expected’ or ‘acceptable’ levels of drug expiry or common standards.

K4D helpdesk reports provide summaries of current research, evidence and lessons learned. This report was commissioned by the UK Department for International Development.

Citation

Tull, K. (2018). Drug Expiry Standards in Developing Countries. K4D Helpdesk Report, Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies

Drug expiry standards in developing countries

Published 1 June 2018
Contents