The document discusses promoting patient-centered healthcare globally. It summarizes the International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO) which advocates for patients worldwide. IAPO calls for a global approach to implement policies protecting patients from counterfeit medical products through increased penalties, enforcement, supply chain strengthening, and patient awareness of risks from counterfeits. A global problem requires a global solution with collaboration between patient groups and other health stakeholders.

1. Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world
Safe Medicines:
The role of patients
p
Jeremiah Mwangi
Policy & External Affairs Director
Partnership for Safe Medicines Interchange 2011
27 October 2011
Washington, D.C., USA

2. Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world
About
Ab t IAPO
• Unique global alliance of national, regional and
international groups representing patients
• Established in 1999
• Crossing borders and diseases
• Vision: Patients throughout the world are at the
centre of healthcare
• www.patientsorganizations.org

3. Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world
A Global Issue for Patients
Gl b l I f P ti t
A matter of patient safety requiring urgent action
• A public health risk
• Erosion of trust in healthcare systems
• Poor awareness
• Information that is accurate, relevant and
comprehensive
p

4. Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world
IAPO’s Campaigns
p g
IAPO has called for a global approach to implement policies to
protect patients from counterfeit medical products, suggested
actions included:
• An increase in the penalties for counterfeiters
• An improvement in enforcement
• Strengthening of the supply chain
• Awareness raising and active communication to patients of the
risks associated with taking counterfeit medical products
• Information that is accurate, relevant and comprehensive
This means that patients should have confidence that they will have:
• Access to safe, high quality and appropriate treatments
And trust that they will receive:
• Accurate, relevant and comprehensive information

5. Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world
Raising Awareness
Raising public awareness and providing
information and advice to patient communities:
i f ti d d i t ti t iti
• to be aware of the risks of counterfeit
medicines
di i
• to purchase medicines from licensed sources
and appreciate the dangers of unregulated
sources
• to be vigilant with medicines and to report
differences or worries to health professionals

6. Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world
To conclude
• A global problem requires a global solution
• Patient groups are a vital part of the
g
necessary solution
• We need to continue to collaborate with
other stakeholders in health

7. Promoting patient-centred healthcare around the world
Contact us
Please visit our website to find out more:
www.patientsorganizations.org
If you would like to receive our free monthly email newsletter and
details of other publications, please send your details to us:
International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations
703 The Chandlery
50 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7QY
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7721 7508
Fax: +44 20 7721 7596
Email: info@patientsorganizations.org
Website: www.patientsorganizations.org
b