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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.

 

To meet the needs across multiple countries and leverage economies of scale, we have created a consolidated procurement mechanism that feeds into local supply chains. 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 (RDC) in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa ensure a rapid and reliable supply of frequently requested items.

Providing HIV/AIDS Medicines and Supplies at Best Value

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

  • Using 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
SCMS has also implemented a RDC concept to make quality ARVs and HIV test kits available to clients in the quantities and at the time they need them to support rapidly expanding programs. These RDC’s are located in Accra, Ghana; Nairobi, Kenya; and Pretoria, South Africa.


Red Zone Planning

 

SCMS is planning for the annual Red Zone, the period in which we expect delays in shipping, customs clearance and delivery as facilities close for various holidays in December and January. It is very important that SCMS clients submit their requests for orders that need to be delivered by year's end now, particularly orders that will ship by ocean freight. 


E-catalog

We work diligently to anticipate all the products that are regularly required for HIV/AIDS programs. The e-catalog provides a list of standardized products derived from current HIV/AIDS health needs as defined by our clients. Whenever possible, we recommend that you choose from products listed in this catalog when placing an order with SCMS.

 

If a product you require is not listed in the e-catalog, please contact us.We will work with you to determine if we can supply it. For equipment, we have listed generic types rather than specific models because needs vary widely with use and must take into account local service capability, training and other issues.


In addition to serving any project or implementing partner supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), we can also supply projects supported by national governments and other donors subject to individual arrangements. Please contact us to confirm how we may be able to support your program.  

 

Visit the e-catalog

CONTACT US


Contact us about procurement if your organization is interested in procuring items through SCMS. A representative will respond to your request to determine how SCMS can best meet your needs.

COLLABORATION IN ACTION


ARV Order Data
To better determine anticipated need for ARVs based on past demand and future need, please review the historical comparison of ARV purchase orders placed through SCMS and the Partnership for Supply Chain Management System. These resources can be used to prevent stock outs and develop an effective production plan.

RELATED CONTENT


FAQ:
SCMS guidelines for vendors and suppliers


Pharmaceutical Wholesaler Site Inspection Checklist:
To determine at what degree the pharmaceutical wholesaler meets the criteria required for the prequalification of manufacturers, quality control management and all other requirements contained within the checklist.


FAQ:
SCMS's procurement process


USAID Impact blog series On the road with SCMS: In Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa and Haiti.



PLoS Medicine: SCMS'scollaborative article, "Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision: Logistics, Commodities, and Waste Management Requirements for Scale-Up of Services."

The Supply Chain Management System (scms) is implemented by the Partnership for Supply Chain Management, Inc. This website was made possible through the support of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under the terms of contract no. GPO-I-00-05-00032-00. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of USAID or the US government.