Structure and Participation

Structure 

Active ImageThe Strategic Fund has been structured through a series of internal (within PAHO) and external partnerships to maximize support to participating countries. The PAHO Working Group is an internal body that was established in 2004 by the Director of PAHO to support and implement activities of the Strategic Fund. It is composed of technical and administrative units at PAHO and meets at least twice a year to review actions and progress of the Fund. The Strategic Fund, as part of the PAHO general work program in Medicines is being developed through the Project of Essential Medicines and Biologicals within the Area of Technology, Health Care and Research, PAHO Washington DC. Technical staff in medicines, procurement officers, financial staff, legal personnel, and project management staff in PAHO dedicate time to supporting activities of the Strategic Fund. 

Partnership

The Working Group under the coordination of the Medicine Project team implements the work program through partnerships established in the region. Key partners include (but are not limited to): 

  • COHAN Columbia (Hospitals Cooperative, Antioquia)
  • BDS (Barbados Drug Service)
  • ENSP (Fiocruz, Brazil; PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center in Pharmaceutical Policies)
  • MSH (Management Sciences for Health)
  • GDF (Global Drug Facility)/ GLC (Green Light Committee)
  • Global Fund (Particularly Principal Recipients)
  • UNITAID
  • Clinton Foundation

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Figure: Operational Structure of the PAHO Strategic Fund (Please clic for enlarge picture)

BDS: Barbados Drug Service

COHAN Columbia (Hospitals Cooperative, Antioquia)

ENSP (Fiocruz, Brazil; PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center in Pharmaceutical Policies)

AMDS: AIDS Medicines and Diagnostic Service

MMSS: Malaria Medicines & Supplies Services

CF: Clinton Foundation

MSH: Management Sciences for Health

GDF: Global Drug Facility

Who can participate/ Application documents 

Any Member State can participate in the Strategic Fund by signing an agreement with PAHO. In doing so, Member States agree to follow established procedures for procurement through the Strategic Fund. PAHO will provide technical support to assist countries in achieving Strategic Fund objectives.  The Member State will designate a focal point in the Ministry of Health who acts as the principal liaison with the Strategic Fund. The Member State is required to abide by financial rules and regulations of PAHO. Global Fund Recipients may also purchase essential public health supplies through the Strategic Fund. To do so they must also sign a 'memorandum' agreement with PAHO. 

Application documents (Agreement that Member States have to sign)

icon Strategic Fund application document as an agreement between the government and  PAHO(15.46 kB)

Operating Procedures for the  Regional Revolving Fund for Strategic Public Health Supplies 

icon Operating Procedures For The Regional Revolving Fund For Strategic Public Health Supplies (170.64 kB)

How is the Strategic Fund capitalized 

How  is the SF capitalized The Fund is capitalized through the allocation of a portion of the 3% procurement service charge to the Fund's capital account. As countries purchase through the Fund, the purchasing power of the Fund will increase resulting in lower product prices for participating countries. 

To place an order the Member State transfers funds to PAHO and requests PAHO to purchase required products. The products are then shipped from suppliers to the country.

Member States and/or the Principle Recipients (PR) participating in the Strategic Fund deposit funds with PAHO in order to purchase products through the Fund. Once the payment is received, PAHO deposits the funds in a separate Member State Account from which supplier invoices are paid. Any balances are retained in this account for future procurement by the Member States, or refunded as required. 

For some exceptions, as a procurement mechanism, the Strategic Fund allows participating members to utilize a common fund for payment of authorized purchases of essential public health commodities. Members make reimbursement to the fund for the cost of each purchase within a specified period of time.

Member States Participating in the Strategic Fund

 

  • Argentina
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile 
  • Colombia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Surinam
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela 

 
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 22 February 2011 )