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

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 order requests 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 and we will work with you to determine if we can supply it. In the case of 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