1. All drug donations should be based on an expressed need and be relevant to the disease pattern in the recipient country. Drugs should not be sent without prior consent by the recipient.

Justification and explanation

This provision stresses the point that it is the prime responsibility of the recipients to specify their needs. It is intended to prevent unsolicited donations, and donations which arrive unannounced and unwanted. It also empowers the recipients to refuse unwanted gifts.

Possible exceptions

In acute emergencies the need for prior consent by the recipient may be waived, provided the drugs are amongst those from the WHO Model List of Essential Drugs⁴⁹ that are included in the UN list of emergency relief items recommended for use in acute emergencies.⁵⁰

⁴⁹Included in: The Use of Essential Drugs. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1997. Technical Report Series no. 867.

⁵⁰Emergency relief items. Compendium of basic specifications, vol. 2: Medical supplies, equipment and selected essential drugs. New York: United Nations Development Programme; 1996.

2. All donated drugs or their generic equivalents should be approved for use in the recipient country and appear on the national list of essential drugs, or, if a national list is not available, on the WHO Model List of Essential Drugs, unless specifically requested otherwise by the recipient.

Justification and explanation

This provision is intended to ensure that drug donations comply with national drug policies and essential drugs programmes. It aims at maximizing the positive impact of the donation, and prevents the donation of drugs which are unnecessary and/or unknown in the recipient country.

Possible exceptions

An exception can be made for drugs needed in sudden outbreaks of uncommon or newly emerging diseases, since such drugs may not be approved for use in the recipient country.

3. The presentation, strength and formulation of donated drugs should, as much as possible, be similar to those commonly used in the recipient country.

Justification and explanation

Most staff working at different health care levels in the recipient country have been trained to use a certain formulation and dosage schedule and cannot constantly change their treatment practices. Moreover, they often have insufficient training in performing the necessary dosage calculations required for such changes.