Misoprostol Registration

Problem

Postpartum hemorrhage and complications associated with unsafe abortion account for nearly 35% of maternal deaths globally, the majority of which  occur in low and lower middle-income countries where women have poor access to health facilities. These deaths are preventable. Misoprostol is included on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines because of its proven safety and efficacy for medical abortion and the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. The problem is that while many countries in Central America have registered misoprostol, it is not widely available to those who need it.

Innovation

We are currently investigating the status of misoprostol registration in Central America with the intention of eventually improving its accessibility in the region.  Our assessment is based around a framework informed by two well-known analytical and conceptual frameworks for access to health commodities.  The framework consists of five areas or “pillars” that span all aspects of availability and use of a commodity: registration and quality insurance, policy and financing, procurement and distribution, provider knowledge and end-user knowledge.

Next Steps

After we have concluded our assessment, we will work toward filling in the gaps that exist in each country.