Abstract:
According to the World Health Organization report, 5.4 million under-five children died, which is similar to under-five
mortality rate of 39 deaths per 1000 live births. This rate is higher in sub-Saharan Africa with 76 deaths per 1000 live births.
More than 1 out of every 2 deaths is because of diseases that can be managed with drug of low-cost and high quality. Institutionalbased cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021, at the University of Gondar Comprehensive
Specialized Hospital. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 24 was used for data analysis. The results were
presented using Figures, tables, and texts according to the nature of the data. The overall average availability of priority
medicines was 75% on the day of visit and the average stock-out duration in the last 6 months was 23.85 days. Availability and
utilization of priority medicines for the management of antiretroviral infections, Vitamin A deficiency, malaria, and diarrheal
cases were high, whereas availability and utilization of suggested medication for neonatal sepsis were very low. A significant
proportion of priority diseases was managed by non-priority medications. Medicines supply sources of the country, ministry of
health, policymakers as well as facility managers should work in collaboration toward ensuring sustainable and consistent
availability of priority medicines through the country. Continues in-service training of healthcare professionals is also mandatory
to update themselves with newly developed guidelines, standards, and recommendations.
