Thursday, 31 December 2015

Mwanza Research Methods Course - Monday 7 th to Friday 18th March 2016


 Introduction:

 This is a two weeks research methods course suitable for health researchers, social scientists, and students undertaking professional training (MSc, MMed, MPH, and PhD). Highly experienced researchers from the Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Mwanza Centre, Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) will conduct this course.

 Course Objectives:
a) To introduce methods used in health research
b) To develop expertise in the use of research methods introduced in the course
c) To enable participants to select the right methods for future research projects

Venue:
National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Isamilo area, Mwanza city

 Dates: Monday 7 th to Friday 18th March 2016

Course Details: The course will cover selected topics including Epidemiology, public health, statistical methods, qualitative research methods, laboratory methods, field methods, and introduction to clinical trials and research ethics. Participants will learn how to read and understand research literature. Experienced researchers, who will share their experiences with participants as well as teach the latest developments in research techniques, will deliver lectures. In addition, participants will work on practical sessions to enhance the understanding of topics and to build skills in key techniques. Discussions and group activities will be organised to facilitate participant interaction along with some special seminars on important epidemiological issues of the day.

Mode of Application: If you are interested in this course, please submit your application outlining how this course will benefit your work and career, CV and a letter of recommendation from your line manager or supervisor. This should be submitted to the following address not later than Friday 29th January 2016, 5.00pm East African Time.

The Director, 
NIMR Mwanza Centre Attention: 
Research Methods Course Coordinator 
P.O Box 1462, Mwanza, 
TANZANIA e-mail: rmcourse@mitu.or.tz

Requirements: Applicants should have at least a master degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study and either working or doing post-graduate studies in health research environment.

Course Fee: There is no tuition fee required. The course organisers will provide daily refreshments, lunch, opening and closing dinner and training materials. Participants will meet their travel and accommodation expenses.

Award: A certificate of attendance will be issued to each participant on successful completion of the training.

Monday, 28 December 2015

ONLINE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN GLOBAL HEALTH PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT


Dear Friends;
I am glad to bring to you an unique combination of Supply Chain with Global health perspective.
This course is launched by Empower School of Health and Kent State University (KSU) in collaboration with other esteemed organisations like UNAIDS, Roll Back Malaria (RBM) and Red Cross (Kenya).
It is scheduled to begin from 4th January, 2016.
Course fees: US$3,500, which includes
E-tutoring and dissertation mentoring
Exam fees and dissertation evaluation
11 months of technical support on any PSM topic
Internship and live project opportunities with leading organisations for top performers
Official diploma certificate
it also provides a tablet for students
Evans Mwemezi
Pharmaceutical PSM Consultant & Translator (English,French & Swahili)
P.O.Box 71937
Dar es Salaam.Tanzania
Mob: 0754 876688/ 0715 876688

Tuesday, 15 December 2015

DEADLINE EXTENDED: USAID-sponsored scholarships for humanitarian logistics certification

For those of your who are interested in the USAID sponsored scholarships for the humanitarian logistics certification, please note that the application deadline has been extended to 16 January before midnight GMT

Please see the details below.

Fritz Institute and CILT (UK) are pleased to announce the USAID sponsored 2015 Scholarship Programme for the humanitarian logistics certification programme. A total of 40 full tuition scholarships will be available, 27 for the on-line courses: Certification in Humanitarian Medical Logistics Practices (MedLog) and 13 for Certification in Humanitarian Logistics (or Certification en logistiques humanitaires: the course is available in French and English).

The Certification in Humanitarian Medical Logistics Practices (MedLog) will be of particular interest and relevance for those involved in health supply chains that have a humanitarian component.

Feedback on progress from a scholarship student of Medlog

“The course material provided is outstanding and reader friendly. I am using it as one of the reference for my MS Public health degree research work…. I suggest encouraging MedLog students to adopt such option to build a resource to work more efficiently at homeland on humanitarian grounds. …. The learningmethodology is unique andinteresting.The public health pharmacists as certified Medlog can contribute a lot.”

Feedback on the programme from a graduate of Medlog:

“The reasons why I decided to enrol for the Fritz/CILT certification programme is because the programme is related to what I do daily. This programme is more practical and designed to respond to the challenges, we as field Logisticians are facing in our daily operations.

The programme has helped me to widen my knowledge on medical logistics, now I have confidence in what I do. I have used the programme to improve my supply chain management skills, now I know what I need to ensure the quality of what we deliver to our beneficiaries including lifesaving materials drugs.

I have already conducted various trainings to my colleagues on various topics. My plan is to share this knowledge as much as possible.”

Applicants for the Certification in Humanitarian Medical Logistics Practices (MedLog) must have field experience of at least one year as a humanitarian logistician, a logistician working in a health supply chain or as a medical specialist.

Please visit the Scholarship page of the Humanitarian Logistics Certification Programme [http://www.hlcertification.org/mod/page/view.php?id=121] for application forms and details, including eligibility for the scholarships.

For more information about the programmes please visit the websitewww.hlcertification.organd for enquiries please contact:scholarships@hlcertification.org

Monday, 14 December 2015

Six Sigma Green Belt Course; Dar es Salaam- Tanzania

Course: Six Sigma Green Belt Course
Date: 23rd and 24th January 2016
Time: 9am – 5.30pm
Location: Tanzania
Venue: Sapphire Hotel, Dar es Salaam
Standard Price: USD 699
Early Bird Offer: 
599 USD (Valid till 25th December, 2015)
Feel free to contact me in case of any queries. 


Evans Mwemezi
Pharmaceutical PSM Consultant & Translator (English,French & Swahili)
P.O.Box 71937
Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania
Mob: 0754 8766880715 876688
E-mail: calmevans@gmail.com
rubayawenger.blogspot.com

Sunday, 13 December 2015

Short course SCM Capacity Development, Feb 2016 Dubai


In February, Pamela Steele Associates (PSA) and Dr Andrew Brown will be
drawing on their extensive experience in the health and humanitarian sector
to deliver three popular training courses in Dubai, U.A.E:

i.        HEALTH SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 
ii.       SUPPLY CHAIN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT 

iii.      MANAGING HUMAN RESOURCES IN HEALTH & HUMANITARIAN SUPPLY
CHAINS

PSA use dynamic interactive approaches to engage participants in learning
theory while equipping then to apply knowledge and newly developed skills
to their local context. Detailed course descriptions can be found below,
but if you require further information please do not hesitate to email us
at either calmevans@gmail.com or  info@pamsteele.co.uk. ( Remember to mention the source of the advert)

Apply now to register your interest, with payment due by the 17th January
to secure your booking.

HEALTH SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 

What is it about?

Supply chain excellence requires that all of the functions of a supply
chain work together efficiently. For example, decisions about product
selection must inform decisions about distribution modes, frequency of
delivery, and storage specification. Similarly, rational use of
pharmaceuticals is a critical for accurate quantification- which, in turn,
effects procurement planning. Any supply chain strategy must consider these
interactions and the associated trade-offs between alternative approaches.

The course structure is based on the 6 + 1 rights of a health supply chain:
the right goods, the right quantity, the right cost, the right condition,
the right place, the right time, and the right interventions.

PSA's training focuses on the higher-order skills required by supply chain
managers to understand the end-to-end requirements for a sustainable health
supply chain, rather than a narrow focus on individual activities. It is
therefore important for everyone involved in supply chain management to
have a demonstrable competence in each function.

Who should attend?

The training is targeted at people who are responsible for planning,
procuring, distributing or monitoring health programme supplies. It will be
especially of use to those with a health professional background who are
entering the health logistics and supply chain environment. Specific
positions may include:

 Procurement Officers
 Pharmacy Managers
Warehouse or Distribution Managers
Health Programme Managers
 Information Systems Managers
Staff of Central Medical Stores
Technical Assistance providers
Donors supporting commodity programmes

SUPPLY CHAIN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

What is it about?

Supply Chain Capacity Development (SCCD) is crucial for meeting the growing
demands on aid delivery and as a key component of health system
strengthening. SCCD is a complex and costly undertaking, which requires
skills and knowledge beyond operational supply chain expertise. It is no
longer about forecasting or procurement for the next campaign, or
fire-fighting stock-outs. It is about systematically preparing for and
undertaking capacity improvements.

The course focuses on national health supply chain systems strengthening
and related theories of change. Participants learn about what makes a
supply chain functional, and how to approach supply chain capacity-building
systemically, to make the most of supply chain development activities.
Participants will also learn about the tools and techniques for embarking
on SCCD reforms within their organization, to detect early warnings of
potential stock shortages, and to manage the entire supply chain capacity
development programme cycle for successful and sustainable development.

Who should attend?

If you are seeking a good understanding of the overall SCCD process that
breaks the silo mentality, struggling to build a compelling case for your
SCCD programme or want to make informed SCCD decisions that lead to greater
SCCD programme impact- this course is for you. Specific positions that
will benefit from this course include:

   - Senior managers
   - Decision and policy-makers
   - Programme Managers
   - Supply chain professionals (logistics/supply officers) from public and
   private sectors
   - Technical Assistance providers who want to engage in meaningful SCCD
   action
   - Students who want to learn more about SCCD tools and techniques

MANAGING HUMAN RESOURCES IN HEALTH & HUMANITARIAN SUPPLY CHAINS

What is it about?*

This course uses a 'plan-do-check-act'  approach to help supply chain
managers better understand the importance of systematically engaging in the
capacity development of human resources. We use a locally-grounded approach
which looks at five areas: '˜policy and planning','leadership development'
'workforce development', 'performance management and retention' and
professionalization. When applied, the strategies, tools and techniques
developed in this course will enable participants to engage in meaningful
management and long term capacity development of the human resources they
rely on to manage their supply chain.

Who should attend?

This course will be beneficial to any mid- or upper-level manager
responsible for managing human resources in health and humanitarian supply
chains, and capacity development employees from technical and multilateral
organisations who engage with governments to promote systematic development
of human resources.

Thursday, 19 November 2015

JOB VACANCY - MDH

JOB VACANCY

Management and Development for Health (MDH) is a non for profit Tanzanian organization that focuses primarily on making contribution to the nation in addressing public health priorities through evidence based interventions, education and research. MDH in collaboration with the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Association of Gynecologist and Obstetricians in Tanzania (AGOTA) are pleased to announce a call for applications for Field Supervisor position in a new collaborative study. This research study will investigate ‘the Impact and performance of Institutionalizing immediate PostPartum IUD services as a routine part of Antenatal counseling and delivery room services in Tanzania.

Field Supervisor 

Reports to: Study Coordinator 

Job Summary: 

The field supervisor will play an essential role in data collection for the PPIUD intervention sites (six regions) working closely with the study coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 The field supervisor will be responsible to oversee PPIUD project activities including recruitment of the clients, follow up of clients, daily follow up of recruitment, follow up at the respective regions, supervision of the data collection process, and liaise with the study coordinator. In addition, he/she should be willing to perform any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other superiors at MDH.

The position will start as soon as possible with a minimum 1-year contract. 

Qualifications: 

 Experience in Health Research is a major positive.
 An ability to communicate fluently in both English and Kiswahili
 A Minimum of bachelor’s degree in biological or social sciences.
Master’s degree is an added advantage
 At least 2 years working as a supervisor in health research.
 Able to work independently and in team
 Commitment to work and adhere to work regulations
 Maintains confidentiality in all aspects

TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates for the above position should submit an application letter indicating the position applied for, attach their CV, and names and contact information (email addresses and telephone numbers) of three references.

Applications should be submitted by Thursday 26th, November 2015 to the the Human Resource Manager, through email at mdh@mdh-tz.org Tanzania. Kindly note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Monday, 16 November 2015

Job Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - The Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)

Employment Opportunity
October 2015

TITLE:                        Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reporting                         Board of Trustees
LOCATION –             Dar-Es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW
The Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is one of Africa’s most eminent health research organizations. With a history of more than 60 years, IHI is an independent, non-profit organization, registered in Tanzania. IHI conducts a wide range of health-related research, including biomedical and environmental studies, trials of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics, health-systems research, and monitoring and evaluation with a mission to develop and sustain Health Research and Resource Institute capable of generating new knowledge and relevant information for international health policy and action. 

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is an internationally recognized, highly visible scientist and opinion maker in international health. He/she will be directly answerable to the IHI Board of Trustees and will have a primary responsibility for strategic scientific leadership and maintaining IHI as a global expert in international health and as global and national opinion leader. The CEO has first-line responsibility for management and custodianship of Institutional resources as the Chief Scientific Officer, Accounting officer, effective communicator and advocate. 


Duties and Responsibility will be but not limited to the following
·         Lead and develop IHI scientifically and managerially
·         Lead the development of the IHI vision and strategy adapted to the evolving global context, monitor its implementation and report on milestones to the Board of Trustees
·         Serve as an Ex Officio member on the Board of Trustees
·         Use own national and international network to acquire new projects in international health
·         Lead fundraising initiatives

Qualifications and experience
·         Medical Doctor and/or PhD in any field of global/international health
·         MBA /Cooperate Management will be an added advantage
·         More than 10 years’ experience in research and research-cum-action in Sub-Sahara Africa and resource constrained environments elsewhere
·         Proven leadership and management skills to work with science and implementation consortia
·         Demonstrated management expertise and experience in research institutions with more than 200 professional staff
·         Demonstrated expertise and experience in ensuring financial accountability to international standards
·         Demonstrated ability to mobilize long term institutional research and/or translational/ implementation funding
·         Demonstrated experience of working within an institutional setting involving Board relations Proven experience of working in a multi- and trans-cultural environment
·         Demonstrated expertise and experience in negotiation skills with institutional governing bodies, governmental authorities, donors and the public at large
·         The candidate must have excellent verbal and written English language skills. Other languages will be considered an advantage





Personal characteristics (competencies necessary for the role)
·         Strong integrative leadership skills (internally & with external partners)
·         Sound decision making skills
·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
·         Strategic thinker in a changing global, regional and national context 
·         Resilient and able to work well under pressure
·         Multitasking and good in prioritizing
·         Team building skills
·         Mentor skills

Remuneration
A competitive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidate.

Mode of application
Candidates meeting the above job requirements should provide a one page covering letter, their detailed curriculum vitae starting with the most recent position, a detailed scientific publication list, contact details (address, e-mail, telephone numbers) of three professional and one personal referee, as well as photocopies of academic and professional certificates.
If your career objectives match this challenging roles please send send your application to advisory@tz.pw.com by 15th December 2015(midnight East African Time)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted




Thursday, 22 October 2015

The 37th meeting of the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD)

The 37th meeting of the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from16-20 November 2015. At the meeting, the ECDD will review a number of substances with potential for dependence, abuse and harm to health. It will make recommendations to the UN Secretary-General on the need for and the level of international control of the substances (refer to: http://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/ecdd/en/).

An open session will be held onMonday 16 November from 9am till 11 am. Those interested in attending the session can register by emailingecddsecretariat@who.int<mailto:ecddsecretariat@who.int>
by Friday 6 November, at the latest. If you wish to make a statement during the open session, this should be conveyed in the RSVP email. Please note there are a limited number of time slots, therefore we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
The agenda will be released shortly.

Please note that any expenses incurred as a result of participation in the open session are entirely the responsibility of the attendee.

Secretariat, Expert Committee on Drug Dependence
World Health Organisation
Geneva, Switzerland

Clinical Data Management Consultant Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Pangaea Global AIDS is seeking a Clinical Data Management Consultant to provide short term technical assistance to a methadone treatment program in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Reports To: Vice President of Research and Social Policy; FLSA Status: Exempt. The consultancy is available immediately, for a four month assignment in Tanzania with possible extension. Key deliverables under this scope of work include: development of a data base using ACCESS or similar software to capture data from multiple clinical data forms per clients at up to three methadone treatment facilities; standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data entry of the data from the forms into the database; training of data entry clerks and oversight of data entry process, including quality assurance and control; construction of a clean data analysis data set; final report of data analyzed for presentation to study team.

Key Activities: Project Management: Develops workplan and timeline for tasks required to fulfill scope of work and, once approved, manages deliverables related by completing tasks according to workplan. Data Management and Analysis: Develops data base, data entry and data management systems and SOPs for capturing and analyzing clinical data; trains data entry staff; oversees and ensures high quality of data through the data entry process; generates reports for tracking data quality; performs data analysis as per requested by study team. Report and Manuscript Development: Conducts literature reviews and compiles report for study team on data analyzed to ongoing take-away dosing for methadone treatment. Research and IRB Protocol Development: Develop research protocols and submissions to ethical review boards, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: MPH in epidemiology and biostatistics, or other relevant master degree required, higher level degree considered an asset. Comfortable living and working in Tanzania for short term. Ability to design data-entry data bases, and manage, merge and ensure high-quality of data entered and managed. Ability to conduct data analysis including basic frequencies, and conducting multi-variable analyses of time series data. Familiarity and understanding of key populations’ communities, including being comfortable working with people who use and inject drugs. Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrates ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality, independent judgment and be comfortable with multiple tasks with conflicting priorities. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; can clearly explain reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Adapts to changes in work duties and organizational structure. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, works with others to solve complex problems. Ability to work comfortably with diverse populations, with sensitivity to issues concerning HIV and all disabilities. Responds efficiently and cordially to requests for service and assistance, reacts well under pressure. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Stata, ACASI software, and Microsoft Access. Ability to fulfill professional expectations of accountability, active collaboration, commitment, communication, diversity and professionalism. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Submit résumé and a cover letter highlighting relevant past experience and why you are interested in working at Pangaea to: Email: contact@pangaeaglobal.org; Subject: Clinical Data Management Consultant; Attn: Megan Dunbar. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Due to the potential volume of responses, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

Vacancy in Essential Drugs and Medicines - WHO Bangladesh

https://erecruit.who.int/public/hrd-cl-vac-view.asp?o_c=1000&jobinfo_uid_c=32147&vaclng=en

Technical Officer - Essential Drugs and Medicines
The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.

Vacancy Notice No: SE/CO/BAN/TIP/2015/4

Title: Technical Officer - Essential Drugs and Medicines
Grade: P4
Contract type: Temporary Appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Duration of contract:  Two Years
Date: 6 October 2015

Application Deadline: 26 October 2015
(14 day(s) until closing deadline)
Currently accepting applications

Duty Station:  Dhaka, Bangladesh

Organization unit: SEARO Countries (SE_ACO) /
SE_BAN WR Office, Bangladesh (SE_BAN)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
The WHO Country Office collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) to provide technical assistance to the Government in the formulation of national drug policies, strategies and plan of actions and developing guidelines and tools for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of interventions for improving access of essential medicines related activities; and in the strengthening of the capacity of the NRA and NCL.

Description of duties:
Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to the Bangladesh Country Office, direct supervision of the WHO Country Office Health Systems Team Leader, and working in close collaboration with the Regional Office advisor on essential drugs and medicines; and the health system team in the country office, the incumbent will be working with the national authorities and other relevant stakeholders to:

-Provide technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh in the development/improvement; implementation and evaluation of its national policies, strategies and plans as related to essential drugs and medicines; other medical products & technologies;.

-Provide technical assistance to the government and relevant authorities on strengthening the rational use of drugs and medicines and anti-microbial resistance;

-Provide technical support towards the strengthening of the Directorate General of Drug Administration in regard to its regulatory functions of drugs and medicines (including vaccines);

-Assist in the strengthening of integrated, people-centered health service delivery, with a focus on improving the quantification, procurement and the drug supply chain management system;

-Assist the Government of Bangladesh in strengthening its regulatory framework towards intellectual property rights and the trade of medical products (drugs, medicines and vaccines) and technologies;

-Support the generation of evidence and increased demand for the use of information in the policy process as related to essential drugs and medicines (including its rational use);

-Establish and maintain collaboration with outside partners and stakeholders including UN Organizations, the Global Fund, GAVI, BMGF, the World Bank and other multi and bi-lateral organizations, civil society and professional associations that are involved in improving access to quality assured drugs and medicines;

-Manage the WHO related work plan activities (including contractual arrangements) in regard to essential drugs and medicines, anti-microbial resistance, regulatory functions of the national drug authority, medical technology, and intellectual property rights, including the recruitment of short term experts as required.

-Contribute to Universal Health Coverage related efforts with a focus on Essential Drugs and Medicines;

-Support efforts towards strengthening the stewardship and good governance functions related to Essential Drugs and Medicines and in general contribute to overall efforts on health systems development;

-Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

-Submit an assignment report upon completion of assignment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential:
University degree in pharmacy or medicine with post graduate degree in public health or health management or pharmacology or pharmaceutical management related area

Desirable:
Additional training in drug supply management and/pharmacovigilance.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution. The list can be accessed through this link:http://www.whed.net/

Skills:
Essential:
Demonstrated expertise in national drug policies, rational drug use, quality assurance and use of WHO standards and guidelines on pre-qualification of essential medicines and vaccines.

Desirable:
Knowledge on supply chain management and ablity to identify bottlenecks and provide appropriate solutions.
Demonstrated experience in inter-sectoral collaboration and ability to work with other agencies and development partners.

Competencies:
1.Teamwork
2.Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3.Communication
4.Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
5.Moving forward in a changing environment

Other Skills (e.g. IT):
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, and working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications.

Experience:
Essential:
At least seven years of relevant experience in essential drugs and medicines policies; rational drug use principles (selection, prescribing and dispensing) in low income settings; and public health, some of which should have been obtained in an international context.

Desirable:
Experience in pharmaceutical regulation and quality control (medicines and health legislation, surveillance system); and procurement and supply chain management (good procurement practices, good distribution practices, good storage practices, good pharmacy practices).

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.

Additional Information:
WHO's salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a base salary and a post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WHO:

http://www.who.int to learn more about WHO's operations
http://icsc.un.org Click on: Quick Links > Salary Scales > by date

Mobility
Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

Annual salary: (Net of tax)
USD 68,294 at single rate
USD 73,338 with primary dependants

Post Adjustment: 43.1 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation