1. Introduction
At Axmed, we are committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals who may interact with our platform, either directly or indirectly, through our services, partners, or supply chains. We recognize our responsibility to protect children from harm and to create a safe environment in all aspects of our operations.
This policy outlines the measures we take to ensure that child protection is embedded within our organization’s culture, processes, and practices. It applies to all staff, contractors, partners, and any third parties that work with or on behalf of Axmed.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all Axmed employees, contractors, suppliers, and partners, as well as any third-party organizations or individuals who may interact with children, either directly or indirectly, through our platform and services. It encompasses both online and offline activities, including the procurement, distribution, and delivery of medicines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
3. Our commitment
Axmed is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children affected by our operations, with a focus on preventing harm, exploitation, and abuse. We are committed to fostering a culture of safeguarding, promoting child rights, and ensuring that all employees and partners adhere to the highest ethical standards when interacting with or impacting children.
• Protecting Children from Harm: Ensuring that children, defined as individuals under the age of 18, are safeguarded from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and any form of harm.
• Creating Safe Environments: Promoting a culture of safety within our platform, services, and operations, ensuring that all interactions with children are conducted with the highest ethical standards.
• Promoting Child Rights: Supporting and promoting the rights of children in line with national and international conventions, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Empowering Staff and Partners: Training all employees, contractors, and third parties on child protection policies and best practices, ensuring they are equipped to recognize and report concerns.
4. Principles of safeguarding
For a tech health business like Axmed that operates as a marketplace connecting sellers and buyers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the Principles of Safeguarding take on specific nuances related to technology, healthcare, and vulnerable populations, including children.
4.1. Zero Tolerance for Exploitation and Abuse
As a platform facilitating the procurement of medicines, Axmed is committed to ensuring that no child is exposed to harm through its services, directly or indirectly. This principle extends beyond the internal staff to third-party vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders who may be involved in the marketplace. Any form of child exploitation, trafficking, or abuse associated with the procurement, distribution, or delivery of medicines will not be tolerated.
This means that suppliers and buyers are vetted to ensure that their practices do not involve child labor or endanger children through unsafe distribution or unethical business practices. Additionally, mechanisms are in place to track and report any violations of this principle within the supply chain.
4.2. Best Interests of the Child in Healthcare
Given that the platform deals with medicines, many of which may be procured for children’s healthcare, also includes that children’s access to safe, essential, and high- quality medicines is protected. The best interests of the child must be considered in all procurement and distribution activities, particularly in LMICs where healthcare infrastructures may be under-resourced.
Particularly, products aimed at pediatric use must comply with international safety standards, and distribution methods must ensure that children are not exposed to counterfeit or substandard medications.
4.3. Data Protection and Confidentiality
In a tech-based marketplace, data security and confidentiality are paramount. Axmed does not store or collect any data on children, or any other patient’s, personal or health information. All our digital interactions, such as the transfer of volumes or prices, adhere to strict data protection regulations and local data protection laws in LMICs where applicable.
4.4. Safe Online Practices
As a marketplace operating in digital spaces, Axmed ensures that the platform is safe for use. While children may not directly interact with the marketplace, the indirect interaction—through healthcare providers prescribing on their behalf—requires vigilance in ensuring that no inappropriate, unsafe, or predatory content exists on the platform.
4.5. Partnership Accountability
Axmed operates through partnerships with sellers, healthcare institutions, distributors, and logistics providers. These third parties must be held to the same safeguarding standards as Axmed itself. Before onboarding any partner, a thorough vetting process takes place to ensure that they operate ethically and safely, particularly regarding child welfare.
4.6. Access to Essential Medicines for Vulnerable Populations
The platform’s role in ensuring that essential medicines reach vulnerable populations, including children in LMICs, underscores the safeguarding principle of equitable access. Safeguarding measures ensure that children in remote or underserved communities have access to necessary medicines without exposure to risks such as inflated prices, counterfeit drugs, or unsafe delivery methods.
In this context, safeguarding also includes advocating for children’s rights to healthcare by ensuring affordable and ethical access to life-saving medicines.
4.7. Empowering Users to Report Concerns
Axmed offers users a clear and accessible system for reporting safeguarding concerns, especially since the platform deals with vulnerable populations. Both sellers and buyers have a direct communication channel to report any concern, whether related to medicine safety, unethical supplier behavior, or concerns about potential child endangerment.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.1 Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy and providing adequate resources for its implementation and enforcement. Besides approving this policy and its future updates, management will ensure monitoring and escalation of related issues is handled efficiently and promptly.
5.2 Employee Responsibilities
All employees are responsible for reading, understanding, and complying with this policy. The completion of such will be tracked and regular updates will be rolled out to ensure employees stay up to date. Employees must report any suspected or actual breaches of this policy through the appropriate channels.
5.3 Third party suppliers and partners
All parties engaging with Axmed’s marketplace must comply with Axmed’s safeguarding policy and ensure that their practices align with our commitment to child protection.
6. Risk Management
6.1 Supplier and Procurer Compliance
Suppliers and procurers must comply with all applicable child protection laws and regulations. Specially, for any service providers working in direct contact with children we will monitor that appropriate safeguarding policies are in place.
6.2 Due Diligence
Prior to engaging with suppliers and procurers, Axmed will conduct due diligence to ensure their compliance with child safeguarding standards. This includes evaluating their reputation, history, and business practices.
6.3 Monitoring and Auditing
Axmed will regularly monitor and audit suppliers and procurers to ensure compliance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards. Any discrepancies or violations must be reported and addressed promptly.
7. Training and Communication
This policy will be communicated to all employees and relevant third parties. Revisions resulting in updates will also be shared with employees to ensure up to date training.
8. Reporting and Whistleblowing
Employees and associated persons are encouraged to report any concerns or suspicions of bribery or corruption at the earliest possible stage. Axmed will provide channels for reporting such concerns without fear of retaliation.
9. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance. Compliance with this policy will be monitored through internal audits and other means.
10. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract. Legal action may also be taken where appropriate as well as disqualification from the marketplace for suppliers or buyers found in breach of such standards.