Assessments of performance of supply chain management system for ARVS and HIV test kits in Dodoma.

Abstract

Background: Effective supply chain management of ARVs and HIV test kits ensures availability of products, improves efficient utilization of resources, minimizes wastage and enhances accountability.

Objectives; The study aimed to determine the performance of the supply chain management system for ARVs and HIV test kits in Dodoma region.

Methodology The study was descriptive, both retrospective and prospective. Stock records, storage conditions, consumption data and Medicines fulfillment order of ARVs and HIV test kits, were assessed using designed checklists. Questionnaires were designed to collect information from health personnel about their knowledge on quantification, stock control and storage conditions of ARVs and HIV test kits.

Results Stock out period of ARVs ranged from 9.41% to 0.4%, Determine reported range of 65% to 6.5% and Unigold showed 8.2%. ARVs reported 57.14% of record count greater than physical count, Determine reported 0.33% and Unigold reported 0.25%. Record count less than physical count of ARVs ranged from 57.14% to 14.3%. Three facilities reported to have working monitored cold storage. Only MSD reported 100% accurate consumption record of ARVs, seven facilities reported accurate for determine and Unigold too. One facility reported 100% order fulfillment of request of ARVs. Seven facilities reported 100% for determine and four facilities reported 100% for Unigold. Of the staffs interviewed 39.4% showed to have good level of knowledge on quantification, storage conditions of medicines and stock keeping.

Conclusion There is significant stock out period of ARVs and test kits in facilities. Records keeping of stock are not well managed. Some of the stores did not monitor cold storage and have working fire extinguishers. Incorrect consumption records were reported. The study observed that there was insufficient supply of ARVs and test kits at facilities which is not enough to facilities. Poor knowledge level is reported to be 36.4% among staffs interviewed.