11 September 2018 – Availability of essential medicines is key in order to ensure access and utilization of primary health care centre facilities by population. WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Libya has been able to successfully complete the distribution process of first batch of essential medicines to 6 selected primary health care centres which are located in the east, west and south of Libya.

The kits contain a wide variety of medications, including medicines which are used to treat noncommunicable disease at primary health care level. The mentioned medicines and supplies are estimated to cover almost 19 000 beneficiaries for 3 months from the targeted catchment population of the 6 health facilities.

The medications and medical supplies have been procured to support the implementation of primary health care project entitled “Improving access to primary health care services in Libya” which is funded by Department for International Development (DFID).

The procurement process of the second and third batch of medicine and medical supplies is currently under way. The provision of life-saving medications will support the implementation of the family practice approach by the mentioned health facilities and will thus result in the increased utilization of health facilities by the catchment population.