Our Case for Blister Packs
Adopting blister packaging in community-based mass drug administration (MDA) programs, especially in resource-constrained areas, offers a range of advantages that can significantly impact medication distribution, adherence, and overall program effectiveness.
Minimizing Distribution Errors
Without blister packaging, errors can occur leading to adverse effects, which could be fatal.
Reducing Plastic Waste
Switching from bottles to blister packaging can have a profound positive impact on the environment. Such a transition could reduce plastic waste going to landfill by up to 80%. This aligns with sustainability goals and emphasizes the importance of responsible packaging choices.
Medication Trust and Coverage
In mass drug administration programs, trust in the provided medication is paramount. Blister packaging enhances the perception of medication trustworthiness, which is crucial in ensuring broad coverage and participation in MDA initiatives.
Medication Adherence
Patients adhere better to prescription regimens when receiving medications in blister packaging. This finding is particularly relevant for community-based MDA, where ensuring that individuals take all pills in the treatment is essential for disease elimination.
Pediatric and Elderly Safety
Blister packaging also addresses safety concerns for vulnerable populations. Child-resistant features can be incorporated into blister packs, reducing the risk of accidental ingestion by young children. Additionally, measures can be taken to prevent accidental ingestion in elderly patients.
Environmental and Product Stability
Blister packaging not only reduces plastic waste but also provides enhanced product stability. In tropical environments, where many MDA countries are located, blister packs protect medications from moisture, oxygen, and temperature fluctuations. This leads to longer shelf lives and ensures medication efficacy.
Custom Count Packaging
Blister packs offer flexibility in providing custom count packs, making them suitable for dispensing reduced quantities of medication. This feature is particularly important in MDA settings where medications may need to be distributed in differing amounts. Blister packs can be perforated and torn off easily.
Universal Benefits
While blister packaging is particularly relevant for MDA markets, it offers universal benefits, including convenience of dispensing, portability, and senior-friendly openings. These features make blister packaging a preferred choice for both over the counter and pharmacy-dispensed medications.
Addressing Economic Barriers
Most Bend Biomedical medicines are free to patients. For those that are not free and in impoverished areas, access to even affordable medications is a significant challenge. Many individuals can only afford to purchase a few pills at a time. Blister packaging accommodates this reality by providing unit-dose packaging, ensuring that patients receive the right quantity of medicine they can afford.
For all these reasons…
Blister packaging presents a compelling case for improving the effectiveness of community-based MDA programs. It addresses economic, trust, adherence, safety, and environmental considerations, making it a valuable tool in the effort to combat various diseases that disproportionately affect impoverished populations.
“Bend Biomedical is committed to exploration and adoption of blister packaging solutions to enhance the impact of mass drug administration initiatives in underserved communities. Blister packaging can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need these essential medications.”
Jonathan Prather
Executive Director & President, Bend Biomedical