Rapid scale up of Pharmacy module use at Mtwara region in strengthening Antiretroviral commodity management Yefta Emmanuel THPS - Pharmacy Technical Advisor 4 th National Quality Improvement Forum

Background Commodity reporting is key for smooth flow of commodities including Antiretroviral (ARVs)drugs from Medical Store Department (MSD) to health facilities Paper based ARVs drugs logistic system has many challenges including poor data quality hence generation of unrealistic consumption data Pharmacy database is a simple and useful tool for HIV clinics in Tanzania to store and analyze data on ARVs and OI drugs dispensing and stock management

Rationale Support by THPS in Mtwara started on October At that time only 2 hospitals Ndanda Mission and Ligula were using the pharmacy database. Only one hospital (Ligula Regional Hospital) could use the system to generate electronic report and request (R&R) and submit timely to MSD Mtwara zone As the implementing partner for care and treatment in Mtwara, THPS recognized the importance of active roll out of pharmacy module implementation to as many ordering facilities as possible to improve commodity reporting and reduce incidences of stock out in the region

Objective To strengthen commodity management of Antiretroviral therapy(ART) commodities using electronic- antiretroviral drugs logistic reporting system (Pharmacy module data base) in Mtwara region.

Methodology In collaboration with MoHSW – NACP and Mtwara Regional and District health management teams, THPS facilitated: 1.Training of 24 health care providers on pharmacy module 2.Procurement and installation of 8 computers and printers at eight health facilities 3.Technical support to health care providers by a team of THPS Technical Advisor, M&E Officer and national trainer & mentor from Ligula regional hospital

Dispensing of medicines at Ligula Hospital Methodology Mentorship session at Mangaka Health Center

Methodology 4.Ongoing supportive supervision and on job training to 30 health care providers 5.Close follow up including phone calls and troubleshooting 6.Provision of external backup devices to ensure data security and antivirus management 7.Replacement of old version computers with new ones at Ligula hospital

Results

Lessons Learnt Pharmacy database is useful to properly manage ART commodities and produce quality reports Work load is reduced, efficiency increased due to automation, quick and easy accessibility of printouts, reporting rate and quality of reports have improved remarkably Quality of services is improved due to continuous uninterrupted supply of ARVs Team work, close support and mentorship contribute as agents of change for improvement

Conclusion The use of e-system in management of commodities (ARVs & OIs meds) within HIV clinic settings has shown positive results in improving supply chain management and hence quality of patient care. Key players need to invest in it to bring desired results of smooth availability of commodities across health facilities in the country.

Acknowledgement All PLHIV attending services at the THPS supported health facilities Pharmacy and Dispensing Units staff at the supported health facilities Pharmacy Mentor - Mtwara Mtwara Region and District Health Management Teams MoHSW – NACP CDC

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