Exploring the experiences of supply chain managers involved in antiretroviral medicines in Zimbabwe during the COVID19 pandemic.

Abstract

Background: HIV and AIDS remain a major public health problem globally, in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Zimbabwe. The efficient supply of medicines, including Anti-Retroviral (ARVs), is essential to HIV treatment and care during a public health emergency. The COVID19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities within public health supply chains that manifested in shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment. Aim and objectives: This study explored the experiences of supply chain managers involved in managing ARVs in Zimbabwe during the COVID19 pandemic. It describes the successes, challenges and lessons learnt in managing ARV supply chains in Zimbabwe during the pandemic. Methodology: This was an exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted on a heterogenous, purposively selected sample of ten supply chain managers drawn from Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and health development partners involved in forecasting, supply planning, procurement, warehousing, and distribution of ARVs in Zimbabwe. Only central and provincial level supply chain managers were included in the study, given the limited scope, time frame and resources available for the research. The interviews were conducted on Microsoft Teams using a semi-structured interview guide.