An ad hoc planning committee will plan and host a workshop inviting key stakeholders to discuss opportunities for improving sustainable access to affordable medicines for mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Specifically participants will be invited to:

· Identify critical barriers that impact the delivery and prescription of essential medicines

· Examine successful activities that increase access to essential medicines both within SSA and in other developing countries.

o Explore acquisition and distribution models for other disease areas (e.g. diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS)

o Identify critical components of these models that might be featured in SSA programs focused on MNS disorders

· Consider the role of governments, non-governmental organizations, private groups and individuals in procurement of essential medicines for MNS disorders

o Examine current funding and payment practices at each level

o Explore the impact of prescription practices on determining priority setting for acquiring essential medicines for MNS

· Identify the key components of a distribution framework, that may serve as a demonstration project focused on increasing access for 3 essential medicines (e.g. a non-barbiturate anticonvulsant, a generic fluoxetine, and a generic second-generation antipsychotic)

An individually authored workshop summary will be prepared based on the information gathered and the discussions held during the workshop in accordance with institutional policy and procedures.