HIV test kits are in high demand, as more and more people are interested in knowing their HIV status. In response, with support from PEPFAR, the Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) project delivers HIV test kits to the Zambia Ministry of Health’s Central Medical Stores, for use at various testing sites throughout Zambia. By delivering kits in smaller shipments on a monthly basis, rather than in one bulk shipment, clients receive test kits with a longer shelf life, and space-constrained warehouses keep a smaller amount of inventory on hand. In addition, the first shipment of a large order of ARVs arrived in Zambia on November 17, 2006. These drugs will be provided to patients served by the Ministry of Health’s AIDS treatment program.
In September 2006, SCMS provided short-term technical assistance to the Zambia Ministry of Health’s laboratory staff and other partners, to conduct the national level laboratory quantification of lab commodities. This produced an estimate of the quantities needed to meet short- and long-term planning. Based on this exercise, the Ministry will produce a procurement plan for lab commodities, which will be supported by the Emergency Plan.
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