Capacity Building in Supply Chain Management of ARV Drugs and HIV Tests

SCMS procures and distributes essential medicines and health supplies, strengthens existing supply chains, and facilitates collaboration among key donors and service providers. The project is managed by the US Agency for International Development and is funded by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). SCMS is an international team of 16 organizations, and its main purpose is to provide quality HIV/AIDS commodities efficiently and effectively. The system has four goal areas: Access, Strengthen Systems, Leadership and Partnership, and Operational Excellence. The quarterly performance report for FY13 Q4 highlights several key achievements, including the delivery of $86.2 million in commodities via 778 shipments. SCMS also continued to focus on the potential impact of new WHO treatment guidelines on supply and demand for Tenofovir-based ARV regimens. In terms of Access, SCMS met or exceeded all of its annual performance targets in FY13, with the exception of forecast accuracy. The system is working to address tensions between supplier capability and increasing demand for Tenofovir triple fixed-dose combinations. SCMS has drafted an Excel-based tool to help donors and countries plan and coordinate transition to Tenofovir-based regimens. The system is also working to improve supply planning and forecasting, particularly in countries such as Tanzania and Uganda. Strengthening Systems is another key goal area for SCMS. The system has made significant progress in this area, with the number of sites reporting health systems strengthening performance increasing by 89 percent over the course of FY13. SCMS has also conducted a national supply chain assessment in Rwanda and used the data to inform the development of a National Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Strategic Plan. Leadership and Partnership is a critical component of SCMS's work. The system has held several key events, including the annual Supplier Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, which was attended by 165 suppliers. SCMS has also received positive feedback from clients and stakeholders, with overall client satisfaction ratings of 88 percent for procurement services and 96 percent for technical assistance. Operational Excellence is another key goal area for SCMS. The system has made significant progress in this area, with the delivery of commodities and the management of supply chains. SCMS has also implemented several key initiatives, including the use of an Excel-based tool to help donors and countries plan and coordinate transition to Tenofovir-based regimens. Overall, SCMS has made significant progress in FY13 Q4, with several key achievements in the areas of Access, Strengthen Systems, Leadership and Partnership, and Operational Excellence. The system continues to work towards its goal of providing quality HIV/AIDS commodities efficiently and effectively, and is committed to improving supply planning and forecasting, strengthening health systems, and promoting leadership and partnership.