'Availability' represents supply and includes manufacturing, forecasting, procurement, distribution and delivery functions.
In many developing countries, logistics systems for public health facilities have been centralized, with central ministry offices responsible for planning, forecasting, procurement, warehousing and the distribution of essential drugs, contraceptives and vaccines.
Therefore, many involved in the forecasting, procurement and delivery of ACTs may be unaware of stock-outs at the dispensary level as they only monitor stock levels in the national or zonal warehouse.
Sustainable and flexible supply chains with capacity for forecasting, procurement, distribution, and information sharing can improve drug utilization and decrease waste, yet even the best-designed supply chains may experience interruptions caused by shortage, damage, drug expiration, and miscommunication.
The Kenya Medical Supply Agency (KEMSA) is a parastatal organization mandated to manage the forecasting, procurement, warehousing, and distribution of essential medicines and health commodities to the population of Kenya.
National policies, in line with the current WHO guideline, should therefore focus on promoting appropriate use of dexamethasone through procurement policy, clear guidelines, and integration into forecasting, procurement, and supply chain.
–District official, Bamako The introduction of the MenA vaccine had no impact on forecasting and procurement.
National forecasting and procurement of CPT needs was integrated into the established practices for ARV drugs.
Understanding these dynamics better could influence both forecasting for procurement and supply chain management.
By itself, legislation is not a solution for weak health systems, including the problems caused by under-budgeting, poor demand forecasting, ineffective procurement and poor distribution systems.
Proposed solutions included listing of ACS drugs on NEMLs for a fetal lung maturation indication, development and dissemination of guidelines, and software to support needs-based forecasting and procurement.
