Lessons Learned: Implementing Zinc Treatment Programs through the NGO Sector
In countries with a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing sector we have been able to build robust, sustainable partnerships with commercial firms who manufacture zinc and distribute it through their own wholesale and retail channels. However, in other countries where there is no local manufacturing capability, we needed to partner with an international NGO with strong social marketing experience to play an intermediary and key management role. Our NGO partner was Population Services International (PSI). They imported both zinc and ORS, packaged the two products together into a diarrhea treatment kit, set appropriate prices, distributed the products through both commercial and community channels, and took the lead in developing the communication messages to promote the products through both mass media and interpersonal channels.
Working with a social marketing NGO:
Has enabled us to import both zinc and lo-osmolarity ORS products into countries lacking locally manufactured products
Allowed us to ensure availability of products in rural areas where commercial distribution may not reach by engaging local NGOs to assist with distribution
Enabled the program to set prices that are appropriate for both commercial sales and for the rural poor who are the most vulnerable to diarrheal disease and least able to pay a full price, and
Allowed us to use both mass media and interpersonal channels to reach both urban and rural audiences.
Source: USAID
Year: 2011
