Corruption within healthcare systems is a formidable barrier to achieving universal health
coverage. Recent studies have highlighted the detrimental impact of medicine theft on health
facilities in Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda, contributing to stock outs and compromised patient
care.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre
(AFIC) is partnering with Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and Centre for Human
Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) to launch an exploratory study to investigate the
effectiveness of transparency and local accountability structures in curbing medicine theft in
Africa.
Corruption undermines the integrity of health systems, diverting resources intended for
patient care. In Uganda, for instance, drug stockouts have become increasingly prevalent,
with theft within health facilities identified as a major contributing factor. Research
conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Malawi, indicates that a staggering 35% of
medicines vanish after delivery, often at the hands of public health staff. Despite the presence
of local oversight structures, their efficacy is hampered by limited access to information and
inadequate capacity.
The exploratory study aims to explore if;
a) Can transparency in medicines delivery mitigate theft within the drug supply chain?
b) Will strengthening local accountability structures enhance oversight of medicine
distribution?
c) How does improved access to information empower citizens to demand
accountability?
The study will be over a 12-month period, focusing in Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda. The
project will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining data collection from health
facilities with capacity-building workshops for Health Unit Management Committees
(HUMCs) and Health Advisory Committees (HACs). Information disclosure mechanisms
will be established based on national Access to Information (ATI) policies, with quarterly
reports disseminated to relevant stakeholders.
The study anticipates that there will be, enhanced transparency in medicines delivery at
selected health centers, improved oversight by local accountability structures, facilitated by
increased capacity and access to information, heightened demand for accountability among
citizens, leading to improved access to information on medicine delivery, enhanced drug
stocks and better health service delivery at targeted health centers.
Combatting medicine theft is crucial for advancing universal health by promoting
transparency and strengthening local accountability. The exploratory study will lay the
groundwork for more efficient and equitable healthcare systems, ultimately benefiting
patients and communities across the region.
