Summary
The demand for HIV rapid tests in Mozambique has more than doubled over the last five years, driven by expanded access to treatment and the implementation of the National HIV acceleration plan. While complementary efforts were made to ensure adequate supply of test kits, the country has faced shortages and stock-outs that have hampered the health system’s ability to achieve testing targets. This assessment examined bottlenecks in the supply chain across four key drivers of stock: forecasting and procurement; distribution; inventory management; and use. It also examined the strengths and weaknesses within each driver, identified areas of vulnerability, and proposed solutions.
Approach
ThinkWell conducted a comprehensive supply chain system assessment to identify the bottlenecks and leakages of HIV rapid test kits. This assessment examined the supply chain at all levels: quantification, procurement, warehousing, distribution, information flows, consumption reporting, waste, and rational use. Assessment methods involved intensive field-level data collection, along with triangulation, qualitative interviews, and data modeling. Further, the study included a private sector analysis of prices, margins, distribution outlets, and private demand of HIV test kits to understand the potential market dynamics around stolen products.
Results
Findings from the study identified various areas of leakage vulnerability. The results have been presented and will be used to inform policy and program changes in relation to HIV supply chain from procurement to end point users at the health facility.