Country Highlights

SCMS helped facilitate an urgent request from partners facing immediate stockouts of rapid HIV test kits. By using local suppliers, SCMS responded overnight with initial supplies and rebuilt the local stocks with subsequent international supply. Meanwhile, detailed planning continues to ensure a smooth handover of commodity storage and distribution responsibilities to SCMS from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Maryland and the University of Seattle/I-Tech. This planning includes an updated forecast of drugs, laboratory equipment and other supplies.

As the number of patients being treated grows in Haiti, so does the need to treat opportunistic infections with an increased volume and range of drugs. To meet the challenge of managing this inventory, SCMS is creating a cadre of master trainers to instruct pharmacists working in treatment centers on the techniques of logistics and stock management. Fresh from their own training, the cadre of new master trainers has already begun conducting training courses for pharmacists managing drug supply centers. Over time, these trainings will contribute to sustained improvements in the management and distribution of vital medicines and supplies on the frontlines of HIV/AIDS patient care.

Value of commodities delivered as of December 2007: Over $2 million