Getting started

Establish a core group for organizing the training programmes

- Organize the core group for planning and implementing the education programme. The group may be organized by health authorities, or by nongovernmental organizations or joint enterprises.

- Establish roles and responsibilities for all participants in planning and implementation.

Develop the profile of what is required and estimate the output of the programme

- Construct the profile of the required system of national or local drug distribution in terms of the characteristics of both professionals and the general public.

- Collect data regarding the target professionals.

- Assess the overall performance of the target professionals.

- Identify the extent of the combating responsibility of the target professionals in counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

- Identify what the professionals need to improve their performance in combating counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and prioritize according to the available resources.

- Identify the "end products" to be achieved by the training programme.

Plan the curriculum according to the need

- Develop a survey of the needs.
- Identify sources of data and other resources.
- Prepare a plan (who, where, when) for collecting data.
- Collate information.

Assess the facilities and staff available

- Assess the available teaching staff, equipment and facilities in institutions for training.

- Determine whether additional staff and equipment will be needed to meet the objectives and provide the curriculum as planned.

Work with other concerned parties

- Identify institutions, groups and persons in the community with whom to collaborate.

- Share information with these institutions, groups and persons in order to encourage collaboration in the programme.

- If there are not enough resources available in the target area, find resources outside the area.

Select the target groups

- Identify the target professionals and select the core groups for whom the programmes will be most effective.

- Ensure that the distribution of participants in the training programme is balanced in terms of disciplines and regions.

Initiating implementation

Secure financial support

- Investigate potential and existing internal and external sources of financial support for the programme.

Gather materials for a curriculum

- Contact institutions, agencies and other organizations with experience and expertise in the pharmaceutical training fields, including WHO and its collaborating centres.

Make arrangements for the trainees

- Arrange accommodation and travel for the trainees, if necessary.

Recruit teaching staff

- Contact and recruit suitable teaching staff.
- Arrange their accommodation and travel, if necessary.

Establish a positive image for the goal of the programme

- Identify core trainees who understand the meaning of the programme and support it.
- Obtain early support by key persons.

Deal with barriers

- Attempt to overcome resistance to the programme (e.g. reluctance to take up the issue of counterfeit pharmaceuticals).