ADDO PROGRAM. Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets in Tanzania

In the past, duka la dawa baridiin Tanzania were authorized to sell nonprescription medicines. However, a 2001 assessment showed that many shops sold prescription drugs illegally and that the drug sellers were generally unqualified and untrained. In response, the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) worked with Management Sciences for Health (MSH) to develop and launch the accredited drug dispensing outlet (ADDO) program—or Duka la Dawa Muhimu—in 2003 in Ruvuma region.

The goal of the ADDO program was to improve access to affordable, quality medicines and pharmaceutical services in areas where few or no registered pharmacies existed. The program’s primary activities include—

• Developing accreditation based on Ministry of Health and Social Welfare-instituted standards and regulations

• Creating a strong public sector-based regulatory and inspection system and strengthening local regulatory processes and capacity

• Developing drug shop owners’ business skills

• Providing commercial incentives to drug shop owners (e.g., access to loans)

• Providing legal access to a limited list of basic, high-quality prescription essential medicines for sale in accredited shops

• Changing behavior of dispensing staff through training, education, and supervision

• Improving awareness of customers regarding quality and the importance of treatment compliance through marketing and public education

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