How it Works

SCMS offers a full range of items necessary for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs including antiretrovirals (ARVs), medicines for opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, rapid HIV test kits, laboratory commodities and a host of other products. We have created a consolidated procurement mechanism that feeds into local supply chains to meet the needs across multiple countries and leverage economies of scale. The result is lower prices for products of assured quality, along with increased cooperation between suppliers and recipients.

Three state-of-the-art regional distribution centers in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa ensure a rapid and reliable supply of frequently requested items.

Key procurement strategies to drive down prices of essential medicines and ensure a steady supply of high-quality items include:

• Long-range planning and forecasting to prevent costly emergency procurements and stockouts of vital items
• Pooling procurement—consolidating orders across many recipients to buy in larger volumes
• Establishing long-term contracts with vendors, with prices and terms other stakeholders can access
• Adhering to stringent quality assurance processes and standards
• Buying generic ARVs and other pharmaceuticals whenever possible
• Publishing our current pricing information