The Bamako Initiative: where is it going

Abstract

Abstract The Bamako Initiative was launched in September 1987 as a means of increasing access to essential drugs through community participation in revolving drug funds. The response of the public health community was highly critical of the Initiative. Issues raised included equity and access; problems of integration, management and logistics; the relative importance given to drugs; and sustainability and dependency. The Initiative has evolved in part in response to these criticisms, now focusing on increased accessibility and quality of services, and the strengthening of health system management. An evaluation carried out in 1991 reviewed the main areas of crit..