The objective was to have as many responses as possible from the three types of organizations. Questionnaires were sent to all organizations known to be interested or involved as donors, recipients or consolidators of donated drugs. These included all individuals or organizations that had commented on the first edition of the Guidelines and those who had expressed interest by correspondence or e-mail. Mailing lists in WHO/EDM were scanned to find organizations or individuals likely to be interested in donations. A message for those interested was forwarded to the electronic pharmaceutical discussion group, E-Drug, which then made it available to its members (about 1,000 all over the world).

Questionnaires were sent out to approximately 400 addresses. Some organizations received donor, consolidator and recipient editions, while others, known or clearly fitting into one of the three categories, were sent the appropriate questionnaire. Some 50 questionnaires were sent out in French to French-speaking correspondents. Mailing started in November-December 1997 and the official closing date was 17 March 1998. This date was later extended to August 1998. No more replies were received after that time.